Cheating doesn't always involve sex. Though some might argue there's no cheating without physical contact, we should never underestimate the power of our emotions.

Perhaps your partner isn't doing anything you consider cheating. But if they are emotionally distant and looking for comfort with someone else, your relationship is at stake.

Emotional cheating isn't something you can easily prove. It's not like catching your partner with someone in bed. It's much more complex, and in the end, it all hurts just the same.

You can actually fall in love with someone even though they are far from you, or you don't have any intention to take that connection to another level. That makes it harder to know whether your partner is having an emotional affair. However, even the most secretive ones have some tell-tale signs which give them away.

Your partner's canceling plans

One canceled date doesn't mean much. But when this becomes a pattern, your relationship is in trouble.

If your partner is always leaving you high and dry with some childish excuses, they simply no longer enjoy your company. Whether they are emotionally or physically cheating is not important.

The vital thing is that you take care of your emotional wellbeing and prepare to end a relationship that's not giving you all you deserve.

They are overprotective of their phone

In the age of social media, it's easier to spot a cheater. If your loved one is all of a sudden very sensitive about their phone, or they receive secretive calls, your partner might be cheating.

Though both of you deserve privacy, it's upsetting that someone you're sharing your life with is suddenly acting like their phone is more precious than you.

You no longer receive compliments

When you're no longer getting the attention you deserve, that's a sign that something's not right. If your partner isn't experiencing any work or family problems, it's time to pay more attention to their emotional state.

If they are making you feel like less, bringing out your flaws instead of accenting your good sides, their feelings are with someone else.

With emotional affairs, the cheater will act like you're no longer good enough. When sex is involved, they might feel guilty and try to overcompensate for their mistakes.

They don't feel like talking to you

After a while, couples don't text as much as they used to. However, if you lack proper conversations, your partner is hiding something.

You can't have a genuine relationship without healthy communication. You need a partner who will share their problems and secrets with you, so you can do the same in return.

If your partner no longer cares about your day or wants to talk about anything but the silly stuff, like the weather, ask yourself if you need that kind of romance. Is that even a relationship?

You feel as if they don't even want to look at you

The way someone looks at you reveals a lot about their feelings. When we're in love, our pupils dilate, and we catch ourselves staring at the person who stole our hearts.

But, if your partner doesn't want to look at you, they are hiding something. At the same time, they're emotionally distancing themselves from your relationship.

Emotional cheaters will avoid eye contact, even looking at you, because at some level, they know that they entered the dangerous zone.

They are staying out longer

Your partner will blame work for staying out way past their usual working hours. Yet, it's rarely the case.

While they are out, they are connecting with someone else, even if it means just spending hours sending messages. It's a matter of time before that emotional cheating turns into something physical.

It's also a way to avoid spending time with you, so they don't have to pretend that their heart's with someone else.

You're always being compared to someone

Emotional cheating brings out the worst in people. Often, a cheater will start comparing you to their coworker or a new friend.

You know that this is toxic behavior, and you shouldn't put up with that.

However, they are not doing it to humiliate you. Instead, they are subconsciously thinking about that other person, and in the process, leaving you hurt and shamed.

They don't have the time for you

Despite our hectic lives, there's always a way to find time for the people we love. If your partner stops trying while making lame excuses, they are most likely interested in someone else.

If they aren't making an effort, neither should you. It's harsh, but in reality, it saves you time and further heartache.

The worst part about cheating is questioning yourself and waiting while looking for signs that your partner still loves you.

You deserve more and better. Though the partner will hardly ever admit to emotional cheating, you can't ignore the red flags and your gut feeling.

Even when they're in denial, you can take action and talk to them calmly and without any judgments. You need that closure, and after that, you should take time to heal since emotional cheating is draining for all parties involved.