Marriage Counsellor and Psychologist Shivani Misri Sadhoo

The internet has indeed revolutionized the world. Gone are the days when information was scarce and communication was slow.

Today, with just a few clicks or taps, we can delve into a vast repository of knowledge on virtually any topic and connect with individuals worldwide in an instant. Social media, in particular, has streamlined the process of finding romantic partners, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. Yet, amid its convenience, social media has also become a breeding ground for relationship issues. The same platforms that bring couples closer together can also harbour hidden red flags that may signal trouble ahead.

To understand these social media red flags, let’s explore the perspective of top relationship expert and marriage counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo on the social media behaviours that should not be ignored in relationships.

What are the social media red flags in relationships?

Couples therapist, Shivani Misri Sadhoo says to find out you need to check the following signs:

Pretending to be single

When a partner behaves as if they’re single on social media—keeping relationship status hidden, avoiding posting photos together, or asking not to be tagged—it raises red flags. While some value privacy, constant avoidance of mentioning the relationship may indicate keeping options open or a lack of commitment. Genuine partners don’t hide relationships; secrecy may suggest dishonesty, embarrassment, or external pressure. Openness and acknowledgement are essential for healthy relationships.

Is your partner spending too much time on social media?

Spending excessive time on social media during dates can detract from romance, signaling that your partner’s focus isn’t on you. It may indicate addiction, where the virtual world overshadows real connections. Social media’s curated facade fosters dissatisfaction and can be an escape from unhappiness. Ignoring moments like sunsets hints at prioritizing screens over shared experiences. Recognizing these signs is crucial; excessive social media use can signal deeper issues affecting relationships and personal well-being.

Posting flirtatious remarks on others’ social media posts

Flirting with others on social media, especially through public comments, signals a lack of commitment and respect in a relationship. This behavior undermines trust and emotional security, akin to infidelity. Engaging in such actions can lead to feelings of betrayal and hurt. Consistently leaving flirty comments on others’ posts raises doubts about one’s intentions and loyalty. It’s crucial to reflect on whether this behavior aligns with your expectations for a healthy, monogamous relationship.

Not accepting social media requests

Many a time, refusing to accept a connection request on social media signals reluctance to integrate into each other’s lives. It suggests a lack of transparency and openness. Denying the request may indicate a desire to keep aspects of one’s life hidden, potentially signaling dishonesty or unfaithfulness. By rejecting the connection, the partner may be implying a disregard for the relationship’s importance or the other person’s feelings. Overall, refusal to connect on social media can raise concerns about trust and commitment.

Reluctant in posting your relationship online

Some people choose privacy, but when a partner avoids posting about the relationship on social media while being active otherwise, it raises concerns. The absence of acknowledgment could signal a lack of commitment or reluctance to publicly affirm the relationship. This omission may lead to feelings of exclusion and impact self-esteem negatively. Comparing one’s relationship to others’ flashy posts only emphasizes the authenticity of real-life connections.

Inconsistent behavior or mismatch between online and offline conduct

When someone’s online persona is drastically different from their offline behavior, it can raise concerns about authenticity and honesty in a relationship. While it’s common for people to curate their online presence to some extent, a significant inconsistency like this can be a red flag. For instance, imagine if your partner constantly shares posts about loyalty and trust online, but in reality, they frequently lie to you about their whereabouts or interactions with others. This mismatch between their digital facade and real-life actions could erode trust and breed resentment in the relationship over time.

Love, they say, knows no bounds. But what happens when distance creeps in and love is put to the test? Long-distance relationships are a modern-day testament to the strength of love in the face of physical separation. Even in the most loving relationships, infidelity can shatter trust.

Finding out that your long-distance partner is unfaithful is heartbreaking, tearing apart the strong connection you share. So, how do you find out if your long-distance partner is being unfaithful? Delhi’s leading relationship and marriage counselor, Shivani Misri Sadhoo shares a few warning signs in this article.

What are some of the terrible signs that show your long-distance is being unfaithful?

Couples therapist Shivani Sadhoo, says, you may identify via the following things:

Inconsistent Communication

When your long-distance partner begins to dodge regular communication, it could indicate something amiss. While occasional busy spells are understandable, consistent avoidance raises concerns. A shift from frequent calls and intentional planning of dates to fewer interactions or vague excuses hints at potential infidelity. In successful long-distance relationships, consistent communication is vital, and deviations from this norm should prompt investigation into underlying issues or potential unfaithfulness.

Gets angry often

When your partner starts getting easily irritated or annoyed, especially over small things, it could be a sign that something’s up. In a long-distance relationship, it’s important to stay connected and understanding. But if your partner suddenly seems short-tempered, it might mean they’re not happy in the relationship.

It’s like they’ve lost their patience with you, which isn’t normal if they used to be sweet and patient before. This change in behavior could mean they’re emotionally checked out or even looking for a way out. And if they’re not feeling connected to you anymore, they might be turning to someone else for that emotional support. So, when they start acting differently, it’s worth paying attention to what’s really going on.

Frequent Technical Glitches

If your long-distance partner keeps encountering technical issues whenever you try to connect with them, it could be a sign that something isn’t right. Think about it: every time you’re excited to talk, their phone mysteriously runs out of battery, or their internet suddenly becomes unreliable. It’s like they’re always finding an excuse to avoid having meaningful conversations with you. You might notice a pattern where they blame their device for problems like a faulty camera or microphone, making it difficult for you to video or voice call them.

And when you question them about it, they might even claim their account was hacked or is behaving strangely, adding another layer of suspicion. But what if these “accidental” tech issues happen all the time? It starts to feel less like bad luck and more like a deliberate attempt to avoid you. It’s painful to consider, but maybe these constant technical glitches are covering up something deeper – like your partner being unfaithful.

Always Busy

Earlier, your partner used to make time for you effortlessly, adjusting their schedule just to chat with you freely. But now, it feels like they’re always busy, never having a moment for you. It might seem like you’re constantly trying to connect, but they always seem to have something more important going on. When one partner becomes consistently too occupied for quality time together, it can trigger doubts about fidelity in a long-distance relationship.

Contradictory Explanation

Pay close attention to any inconsistencies or contradictions in your long-distance partner’s narratives. If you notice that their explanations don’t align or if you catch them in lies, it could be a clear indication that they are hiding something from you. Trust your instincts and be vigilant about red flags, no matter how seemingly insignificant.

For instance, if a friend informs you that they saw your partner in a compromising situation with someone else, it’s crucial to address the issue. When you confront your partner about your suspicions, be wary if they attempt to change the topic or deflect the question. This behaviour may suggest they are avoiding the truth, especially if they consistently sidestep the issue.

Now that you’re aware of these warning signs, stay vigilant in your long-distance relationship. Consistent communication, understanding changes in behavior, and addressing inconsistencies are key to maintaining trust and addressing potential issues before they escalate.