Signs of Cheating

There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. So even if you might be in love with whom you thought as your better half, there's always a chance that he or she may be cheating on you. Contrary to what you may think, you might not be the center of your partner's universe after all.

If you sense that your partner is cheating, you'll have to start paying attention, as she'll likely cover his or her tracks better than a practiced thief. Here are several signs that your boyfriend or girlfriend might be spreading the love around too much and, while they may not at all imply that he or she is in fact cheating on you, serve as a warning that something is amiss with your relationship.

Loss of sex drive – Unless your partner has been in intense stress from work, then a sudden loss of interest in sex may indicate that your loved one is getting it elsewhere.

Defensiveness – A cheating partner usually feels bad deep inside him or her and this guilt can come out through being defensive or placing the blame on you. Examples of defensiveness include when your partner refuses to answer even the simplest and fairest questions, only answering them only after repeating them back to you, or when your partner would question your queries about his sudden change of schedule. You should also look for signs of aggressiveness from your partner.

Too much excuses – This may sound too obvious, but comments about needing to work late, having to take a business trip, or needing to unexpectedly meet with a client, can all be signs of cheating.

Telephone hang-ups – There would be times that your partner's new liaison is bold enough to call your home number. If you answer the phone, the caller would hang up, but not if your partner answers the cal. Watch out for frequent hang-ups.

Showering you with unexplained gifts – Besides defensiveness, your cheating partner may try to throw you off track by being extra nice. Flowers, chocolate, and other gifts that are given on ordinary days could be a sign of cheating.

Your partner detaches from your family – The fact that he or she no longer wants to attend family functions or hang out with your friends may be indicative of “cheater's remorse.” He or she may feel guilty enough about cheating as it is, and having to face your friends and relatives may be just another painful reminder of those sins. The less time your partner immerses in your circles, the less mental anguish he or she will have to endure.

Your partner begins to point out your every flaw – Gone are the days when the two of you could communicate with such harmonious precision. Lately, every sentiment you express would set your partner off, as he or she finds any excuse to last out at you.

A mysterious friend inches his or her way into the picture – Whether it's someone she claims is a co-worker, or an old friend from “way back,” your partner keeps this friendship under wraps and is hesitant in sharing any general details about them, much less introduce you.

You feel a shift in your partner's daily priorities – Suddenly, there are no more implied Sunday dates at the movies, or something always comes up on your dance class. There is a tendency for most philanderers to schedule meetings with their new flame as often a they can, resulting in a complete disregard for previous engagements.

Your partner's sudden change of style – Remember that just as you tried to impress each other in the beginning of your relationship, so too will your partner have a sudden urge to improve his or her fashion style, or alter physical appearance for the other person.

Your partner slowly breaks away – A big sign that something has gone awry comes when he or she becomes more autonomous. Your partner doesn't say “we” anymore, but rather “I.” Moreover, he or she does more things on their own, and stops consulting you about future plans.

Online Dating Precautions

Meeting with someone through the Net can be exciting, yet at the same time dangerous. Although you get to meet different people from different places, the Internet is not enough to create trust towards another person. Before you venture into this activity, please be cautious and read our tips.
Don't give out personal information – This includes your last name, home or work address, phone numbers, bank account data, and other sensitive details. Sometimes, scammers who steal other people's bank savings may disguise themselves into singles looking for love through the Internet.

Don't afraid to ask – On the Internet, people can pretend to be someone else. It's not easy to determine if someone is being honest since you have no visual, vocal, or body language to analyze, even if you have webcams and voice chats. It is okay to ask the other person for proof of important matters like job status, educational degrees, and others.

Do not use your phone to call – Heaing your date's voice erases a level of anonymity. However, it is best not to use your own phone when calling. Use a payphone instead to avoid problems with caller ID. If you and your date have a voice chat program in your computer (such as Skype or Yahoo! Messenger with Voice), you can talk to your date for free.

Listen and analyze your date's voice – It is best to talk with the person either through online or phone several times before meeting face-to-face. You can learn a lot about someone's personality by hearing his or her voice and how they talk. Be cautious if you feel that the other person is trying to manipulate you or making up answers just to please you. Also, watch out for signs of anger and frustration while getting to know them over the Net.

Never meet the person alone – It is best to meet the other person on a public place. Never go overseas just to meet this other person (unless you deeply trust him or her). You can bring along a friend, or tell a friend about your date beforehand.

Danger Signs on a Date

No matter how many times you have previously dated, taking another person on a date always has endless possibilities and unknown results. You could be moving too fast, it would probably be too late for you to realize that you have hit a wall. In dating, remember to proceed with caution and determine whether or not to continue on a romantic relationship. Here are some possible problems that you should steer clear from or be cautious about.

Moving too fast – Always be sure to watch the speed of the relationship. Take time to really know your date by asking questions on your first few dates. Ask her about her hometown, her family, or her work. You can learn a lot about a person by what he says and the way he answers. If your date is hesitant to answer, be cautious.

Meeting online – When arranging to meet someone you met over the Internet, make it a safe time of day and choose a public place such as a restaurant, a coffee shop, or even a large department store. You could even tow along a friend for a double date, and your date should respect your right to feel comfortable. Remember that when dating online, never provide your personal information like your home address, occupation, travel frequency, and your home phone number. Consider asking him to exchange snail mails instead so you can both verify each other's information. If he refuses or sends mail with no return address or a fake address, then ditch the guy.

Getting vague answers – If your date frequently gives you unclear answers like “I've got work to do,” or “I'm really busy this weekend,” especially when asking for another date or if you want him to meet your parents, then be wary. Be alarmed whenever the man takes phone calls out of your earshot or gives you only his cell phone number (instead of his home phone number). Keep in mind that open communication is very much needed for a relationship to go anywhere. If you don't have it up front, you won't have it as the relationship deepens.

Rebound from another relationship – If you're mending from a previous relationship, it is best to take time for yourself. Don't be so quick to fill that void.. If you are dating to prevent the loneliness of a breakup, then it's too soon. Finding the right person does not happen quickly, as you need to get to know someone. Try hanging out with your friends or embark on a vacation all by yourself in the meantime.

Feeling desperate – If you feel pressured, you would make a desperate decision. You may choose the wrong man or stay in a relationship that is not going anywhere. Also, avoid substance abusers and men who are verbally or physically abusive. Besides, there are millions of other men out there. Just cut your losses and move on.

How to Go Forth with Caution

You have found your ideal guy, but that doesn't you should just go all out to be with him. It is best to go forth with caution. Dating is like an unknown road every time you travel on it. No matter how many times you have dated, it always leads to different possibilities and different paths. Consider these following tips if you feel like your guy is “the one.”

Trust your gut – Does internal dialogue like “Why didn't I see it coming,” or “I should have known better” sound familiar? It simply means that you tend to internalize things and see failures as your own faults. You need to quiet such harsh criticisms from yourself and learn to listen to your inner self. Women often have a strong intuitive sense. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. Hone this instinct and you would save yourself some heartbreak.

Tag a friend along on your date – It is smart to bring a healthy dose of skepticism with you on a date. It also helps to bring a trusted girlfriend along too. You may fall head over heals and miss obvious warning signs. Suggest to your guy for a double date to see if you friend picks up on subtle clues that he may not be the one, like a tone in his voice that shows insincerity, which you may overlook.

Take the road less traveled – Many women approach finding a man through a list of qualifications. However, you will realize that love has nothing to do with his job, hair color, or social status. Consider dating guys that are a little outside your type. If you usually date tall men, go out with a shorter guy. Say yes to offers that you would normally turn down because it doesn't interest you. Mix it up and you may be surprised at what you find.

Safe Dating Tips for Teens

First date together – You should go out with another couple or go in a group.

Don't be isolated - Stay in places where other people are near enough to hear you and to be of help. Parking in a remote spot isn't a good idea at any age.

Know your limits - Before you go on a date, think through your own limits regarding sexual contact. It's easier to stick to principles you've determined when you're calm and alone.

Express your wishes - Be wary when your relationship seems to be evolving with one person taking control or acting aggressively- this same pattern could occur in a sexual situation.

Be clear - Be very clear in communicating what you feel, beyond just saying "No." It's important to be up front and tell the person you are dating your expectations, such as discussing abstaining from sexual intercourse before you find yourself in a sexual situation. If a person you are dating wants to go further sexually than you are willing, insist that the date and/or the relationship is over. If he/she won't leave, leave your date.

Warning signs - Being manipulated, verbally put down, pushed or slapped and kept isolated from other relationships are all signs of an abusive relationship.