What to do if you think your boyfriend is cheating:
Your gut is telling you.
Beyond tangible evidence, you just can’t shrug the feeling away. If this is persistent, Sanders notes this could be your gut instinct telling you something. Growing research2
suggests your gut feelings should not be prematurely dismissed. In fact, your brain may be weaving together past experiences along with present cues in the environment to intuitively aid your cognitive processing and decision-making.
“Always trust your gut,” Sanders recommends, though she adds, “But sometimes, if you’ve got attachment or betrayal trauma, it’s hard to tell the difference between your gut and your trauma. So, definitely seek counseling for that so you can learn to trust your gut.”
Sit with your emotions.
If you believe your boyfriend is cheating, this will be a painful and earth-shattering process to unearth the truth. Because of the potential pain it can bring, Sanders advises to conduct yourself in a way that matches how you feel. “Don’t suppress your feelings; that will just cause you pain later on. If they ask what’s wrong and you’re not ready to talk about it, then say that you’re not ready.”
During this time, center your emotions as you take your time while you are figuring out the next step. Journal, talk about it with trusted friends who can listen to your emotions without judgment or the need for action, and lean on your self-care practices. Don’t skip out on this step-it’s crucial for your well-being. read more