Infidelity and Cheating

Adolescence is an age where romantic relationships play a vital role in one's life. It is a stage where many teens explore their sexuality and emotions. While some people prefer being in open relationships, a good majority like being committed to one person.

When you enter a relationship, you can't know how long it will last. It could be a couple of days, weeks, months, or years or for a lifetime. There is no way of knowing for sure. You cannot also predict how it will end. Some relationships end with mutual understanding, some end with one person leaving and some due to infidelity.

What are cheating and infidelity in a teenage relationship?

Many feel that what really counts as cheating in a relationship depends on what the couple decides for their relationship. There is no one correct way to behave in a healthy relationship or one singular type of unhealthy relationship. However, most psychologists, define it as a unilateral decision by one romantic partner who becomes involved with a third party. What's interesting is that it's not always clear where the line between harmless fun and cheating is. Teens also have very little understanding of how they will deal with it if it does occur.

In today's digital world, the idea of cheating has changed greatly. It is not just limited to physical space but has seeped into the digital space as well. Given its prevalence, many psychologists encourage having an open conversation about cheating.

Here are some behaviours, that cause people to accuse others of cheating:

  • Touching inappropriately

  • Buying gifts, paying bills

  • Texting in the wee hours

  • Sending explicit texts

  • Going on a date with someone other than your partner

  • Going to internet chat rooms with the intention of exchanging phone numbers or meeting up

  • Meeting up with your exes

  • Flirting and teasing someone else


Online cheating can turn into a smoking gun. Reactions, comments or emoji usage allow people to gradually slip into potential future romantic partners.

Although cheating and infidelity are used interchangeably, there is a fine line between the two. Cheating refers to an act of dishonesty that you commit to gain an advantage, whereas infidelity is the state of being unfaithful to your sexual partner.

How is Cheating Relevant in Teenage Relationships

Cheating and infidelity in a teenage relationship are significant as it is a HUGE issues. Many teenage relationships are destroyed due to cheating and infidelity. This leads to many teens not being able to trust someone else or some who end up cheating on their future partners as a way of revenge.

For many teens, a romantic relationship is one of the first times they offer another person a great deal of trust. It is also one of the first stages in which we learn who we are as individuals and try to create a foundation of close and intimate relationships.

Why Do People Cheat In Relationships?

There are a variety of reasons why people cheat in relationships. However, as a victim of infidelity, it is vital to know that your partner's cheating on you has nothing to do with your behaviour or mistakes, and it is never ever your fault.

  • Not Happy or Satisfied

  • Found someone better

  • Had the opportunity

  • Not interested in a partner anymore

  • Partner isn't "there."


Betraying your partner's trust can be really painful and can have long-term effects on your relationship. If you are constantly thinking about cheating or wanting to cheat, it could signify that you do not want to be in the current relationship. And even though breakups are so awkward and it is usually less hurtful than going behind their back and cheating on them. Cheating on your partner a lot and lying to them is not respectful and is classified as one of the signs of an unhealthy relationship.

If you are unhappy in your relationship or don't want to be in it, it is best to dissolve the relationship before things get worse. But cheating doesn't have to be the end of a good relationship, and it is certainly not the end of the world, but it's up to you to do something about the situation. Be honest and brave, and have a conversation with your partner.