Warning Signs of an Online Affair

Infidelity has been around for a long time; but in the past, affairs were commonly started with friends, co-workers or strangers you met by chance at a public place. Most started with simple flirtations, but the thought of sneaking off to a sleazy motel kept many people from going any further. They refrained simply because it was too difficult to remain totally anonymous and too easy to get caught.

It's not too difficult to understand why online affairs are now so popular. The Internet has created a false sense of anonymity and intimacy for people, who under normal circumstances, may not have cheated. But, a person who develops an online affair first has to have the propensity to cheat, not necessarily a reason to cheat. But, if you think your partner may be having an online affair, there are some warning signs you should heed:

1. Does your partner stay up late at night?

Chat rooms and meeting places for online affairs (sometimes referred to as "cybersex") usually increase as the night goes on, so your partner will tend to stay up later and later to be part of the action. You'll go to bed, but your partner will be clicking away at the computer until the early-morning hours. They will probably ease out of bed early in the morning so they can check their e-mail before you get up.

2. Do you know your partner's password?

If your partner is cheating online, they'll do everything to hide the truth. They may move the computer from the family den to a secluded corner of another room so the door can be locked. They will usually change their password to cover up all their online activities and become agitated when interrupted.

3. Are household chores being neglected?

When their time on the computer increases, household chores are neglected. The lawn doesn't get mowed as often or the laundry piles up. All they want to do is sit in front of the computer. What was previously an important part of the commitment to your relationship now becomes an unwelcomed interruption.

4. Do you see additional spending by your partner?

The cheating partner may be making long distance calls or sending gifts to their online lover, so they will lie to cover up those additional charges made on credit cards or telephone bills, claiming they are calls made for work or presents for co-workers.

5. Do you see a personality change in your partner?

If you partner was once jovial and playful, they may become cold and

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