Have you ever heard of microcheating? Well, don’t feel so bad if you haven’t. This is just the latest in a long list of new slang terms for ways in which people use social media.
Microcheating refers to subtle actions or behaviors that, while not constituting full-blown infidelity (like kissing or having sex with someone else), can be seen as crossing emotional or physical boundaries in a relationship and betraying trust.
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It involves engaging with others in ways that suggest a romantic or sexual interest, or prioritizing someone outside the relationship in a way that feels disrespectful or undermines the primary partnership. The key element is often secrecy or a lack of transparency with one’s partner about these interactions.
The concept is somewhat controversial, as what one person considers microcheating, another might see as harmless behavior.
It often comes down to individual relationship agreements, boundaries, and what makes each partner feel uncomfortable or insecure.
“People are having more digital relationships so it kind of creates more space for that,” William Schroeder, a therapist and owner of Just Mind Counseling centers in Austin, Texas told AP. “In this work-from-home environment, it can happen even easier because it’s real low risk.”
“Micro-cheating is the small behaviors that can sometimes be hard to pinpoint or prove that indicate there are boundary violations in a relationship,” Molly Burrets, a clinical psychologist specializing in couples therapy, told CBS News.
“For example, revealing too much personal information to someone that you see regularly or intense flirting with someone at work, but never quite acting on it,” Burrets said.
Here are some common examples of microcheating:
Secretly messaging or communicating with an ex-partner.
Flirting with someone other than your partner, either in person or online (e.g., excessive compliments, suggestive language).
Liking or commenting on someone else’s social media posts excessively, especially suggestive photos.
Hiding interactions with someone you find attractive from your partner.
Downplaying your relationship status (e.g., not mentioning your partner when talking to someone new).
Saving someone attractive in your phone under a fake name.
Spending excessive time or energy on someone outside the relationship.
Sharing intimate details or seeking emotional support from someone other than your partner.
Going out of your way to look attractive specifically for someone else.
Removing your wedding ring in certain situations to appear available.
Creating or maintaining a dating profile, even if you claim you’re not actively using it.
Sending private or flirty messages to someone other than your partner.
Complaining about your partner to someone you are attracted to.
Developing a close emotional bond with someone outside the relationship that rivals the one with your partner.
Ultimately, what constitutes microcheating is subjective and depends on the individuals and the agreed-upon boundaries within their relationship. Open and honest communication is crucial for navigating these gray areas and maintaining trust and intimacy.
