10 Signs That Your Partner Is Cheating on You With a Coworker

Michelle Wilson - February 8, 2023

Infidelity can be a devastating discovery, especially if it’s happening in the workplace with a coworker. It can be challenging to discern the truth, as there are valid reasons for working late or taking more business trips. However, certain red flags may indicate your partner is cheating with someone at work.

Below, consider 10 of the most common signs that it may be time to have a serious conversation with your partner.

New Enthusiasm for Work

Your partner’s sudden enthusiasm for work may make you both happy and curious. If they previously showed apathy or unhappiness towards their job, the change could be due to a coworker, especially if it coincides with any other signs considered below.

More Time at Work

A second common sign that your partner is cheating with a coworker is that they are always at work. If your partner is working overtime, going in on weekends, or seems to be constantly tied to work, it’s important to pay attention to your instincts. While it’s true that many people are working hard to make ends meet, if your partner’s work schedule is constantly increasing, it may be a sign of something more going on.

If your partner is suddenly working all the time, they may be using work as an excuse to spend time with someone else. That said, it’s also possible that your partner may be engaging in off-the-books work or activities they don’t want you to know about. In any case, it’s important to trust your instincts and investigate further if something seems off.

Racking Up Travel Rewards

If your partner frequently travels for work, it may be a cause for concern. While some jobs require more travel than others, excessive travel could signify that your partner is cheating with a coworker. Experts have proved that many people believe their partner has used business trips as an opportunity to cheat.

Remember that some of these trips could be ones they volunteered for, and the coworkers they are traveling with could be more than just colleagues.

Accusing You of Cheating

Infidelity can often bring about negative emotions that are difficult to process, and in some cases, a cheating partner might resort to projection to cope. Projection refers to displacing one’s undesirable traits or emotions onto someone else and is a common defense mechanism used by those who are unfaithful.

If your partner is cheating, they may accuse you of being the one who is being dishonest. This shift in blame can cause you to feel insecure and cause you to self-reflect rather than examine your partner’s behaviors. The result is that the faithful partner ignores the real issue of infidelity, and the cheating partner can continue their behavior without facing the consequences.

Your Partner Is Putting More Attention on Their Appearance

It’s common for people to care about their appearance, but going above and beyond to dress attractively while at work can be a warning sign. If your partner starts dressing more nicely or even overly grooming themselves before heading to work, they may be trying to impress their colleague.

While expressing your concerns is important, it’s also important to approach the situation carefully. Making negative comments about their appearance can appear unappreciative, suspicious, and odd. On the other hand, praising their appearance can make you seem needy and over-eager. The best action is to observe the situation and make a mental note of your partner’s behavior changes.

Exceptionally Close Relationship with a Coworker

If your partner has a close relationship with a coworker, it may be easy to believe it’s just a friendly bond. However, if the relationship appears to go beyond just a professional dynamic, it may be a cause for concern. A purely professional relationship should have clear boundaries, and your partner should have no issue discussing the details of their interactions and activities with the coworker.

Sudden Increase in Business Trips or Long Meetings

A sudden shift in your partner’s work schedule may be a red flag for infidelity. For instance, if your partner previously didn’t travel for work but now has multiple business trips in a row, it could be a cover for spending time with someone else. Similarly, if they display enthusiasm for attending work events where their coworker will also be present, it may indicate that something more is going on.

Lack of Physical Intimacy

One of the tell-tale signs of a partner cheating is a decline in physical intimacy. If your significant other is suddenly not as interested in sex as they used to be, it could be a red flag. They may make excuses such as being too tired, not feeling well, or being stressed. However, the root cause of their disinterest may be guilt related to their unfaithful behavior.

It’s important to address this sudden change in your relationship and have an open and honest conversation with your partner about what might be causing it. While a decline in physical intimacy can be due to various factors, infidelity is one of the most common reasons.

They Talk About A Coworker Frequently

It’s normal for people to mention their coworkers occasionally, but if you notice that your partner is talking about a specific coworker more frequently than usual, it could be a red flag for infidelity. This increased mention could indicate that your partner has formed an emotional or physical connection with this coworker.

In this situation, it’s important to pay attention to the tone and content of the conversations. Are they speaking positively about this coworker and sharing details about their personal life? Or are they vague and evasive when you ask about their interactions with this coworker? These signs could indicate that there is more than just a professional relationship.

The Vibe is Off

In a relationship, it’s important to trust your instincts and pay attention to changes in your partner’s behavior. If you feel like something is off, it’s important not to ignore your gut feeling.

According to some research, it’s possible to intuitively tell when a partner is cheating, even if there isn’t definitive proof. So, if you sense that your partner is acting differently, take the time to examine your relationship and see if there are any red flags.

Moving Past Infidelity

Partners must remain aware of these ten signs that their partner is cheating with a coworker, as this type of infidelity can be particularly damaging to a relationship. However, it is also worth noting not all of these signs necessarily indicate cheating and that it is always best to have an honest conversation with your partner if you have concerns about your relationship.

If you have an inkling that your partner is cheating with a coworker, it is important to take the time to gather as much information as you can and to approach the situation with a clear head. In some cases, you may need to be ready to seek help from a professional, such as a therapist or counselor, to help you navigate the situation.