A private investigator has revealed a major cheating sign that 'everyone misses' — one which could leave people trapped in an unfaithful relationship for years without realising it.
The overlooked red flag
PI Cassie, who works for Venus Investigations, has been using the @venusinvestigations TikTok account to highlight telltale signs that your partner may be playing away. Cassie said: "This is the sneaky cheating sign that everyone seems to miss. We all know the classics like guarding their phone, sprucing themselves up, working so late that might as well live in the office. But the sign people often miss is the sudden passion for a new hobby. It might mean they're sneaking around with someone who has the same passion for the same hobby and are trying to impress them."
She went on to explain how this can manifest itself as a sudden obsession with surfing or country music, despite never having shown any previous interest.
When to be concerned
However, Cassie warns against jumping to conclusions the moment your partner takes up a new pastime — instead suggesting it should serve as a red flag only when combined with other noticeable changes in their behaviour. Cassie added: "It can be a sign that something else is going on. A new hobby on its own can be nothing. But if other signs are showing up, add this one to the list."
Responding to her post, one user commented: "Mine got into drawing a few times. I'm thinking he's tried a few times for the same girl." Another user added: "Yes, my first wife did exactly that. Then my last girlfriend did that so I knew what was coming and yet I was in the wrong for calling her out for it."
A third user said: "Or they tell you that social media is such a time waster when they see you scrolling social media, also adding they're going to deactivate their account but they're on it all the time." One more user added: "I agree with this. My ex suddenly brought home a CD of someone who I knew he'd never like, as he always made fun of that genre. Years later, I understood when I found out what had really been going on. Funny what sticks in your mind after separation." A final user said: "Literally mine started listening to country music just recently after being uncharacteristically happy lately."
Statistics and advice
According to data from the General Social Survey, around 20% of married men and 13% of married women have admitted to physical extramarital sex over their lifetime. However, these numbers skyrocket to 35–45% when including emotional affairs.
If you have suspicions your partner may be unfaithful, Everyday Health recommends speaking to a therapist about your worries, keeping your emotions in check, and leaning on close friends and family for support. On top of this, it's worth calmly raising your concerns with your partner, sticking to the facts and avoiding placing blame.
For closure, or simply to put your mind at rest, you may find it useful to ask them why they were unfaithful. However, bear in mind this information might not necessarily aid your recovery. It's vital you give yourself permission to process your feelings and take all the time you need to decide whether to work things out or walk away from the relationship.
