Micro cheating: cheating or innocent flirting?

The line between innocent flirting and cheating is blurry and ‘cheating’ means different things to different people. But now there is a new term: ‘micro cheating’, cheating on a small scale, so to speak. And you do it more often than you think! You can read all about it in this article. 

Micro cheating?

When you and your partner are in a monogamous relationship, then sex with another person is a clear form of cheating. For some people, kissing other people is already considered cheating. But constantly texting someone? A very flirtatious relationship with a colleague or daydreaming about someone else every day? Is that cheating or are just you enjoying life? It’s probably micro cheating!

Also read: In love with your colleague? This is how you deal with it

Micro cheating: cheating on a small scale?

Micro cheating is not about physical contact with other people (most of the time). It’s like cheating on a smaller scale and is often about an emotional connection you have with someone else. And even though we call it micro cheating, it’s not necessarily the same as cheating. Where is the line between cheating on your partner and just keeping things excited for yourself?

“Where is the line between cheating on your partner and just keeping things excited for yourself?”

Micro cheating is about small acts that make you think, either in your head or heart: is this right, or am I going too far? You’re just a little bit too involved with someone else other than your partner. Think of it this way: you’re texting someone you really like talking to every day. Would your partner be allowed to read these conversations, or would you rather keep them a secret? If you’d rather keep them a secret, think about why that is: are your conversations with that person too intimate? And ask yourself: how would I like it if my partner did this to me?

So, is micro cheating the same as cheating?

Hmm… that’s a tough one. We would say no. But it differs from person to person, which is why it’s helpful to have a good conversation with your partner and discuss where the line is for you. And ignorance is bliss, right? If you’ve had a few exciting conversations via Instagram, it’s really no big deal. But if you’ve been building a deep connection over the course of months with someone and you text them daily, secretly call them when your partner is out, and fantasize about them a lot? Yeah, then that would not be totally fair towards your partner. Should you tell them about it? That’s up to you.