6 Ways to Tell if Someone is Lying About Cheating

Something feels off. Their stories don’t quite add up, and they’ve grown distant. You ask a simple question, and they suddenly get defensive. Little things that once felt normal now seem suspicious. 

Lying isn’t always obvious—some people fidget or avoid eye contact, while others lie with a straight face and steady voice.  That’s why learning how to tell if someone is lying about cheating can help you make sense of mixed signals.

It’s confusing, frustrating, and even heartbreaking. Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and when doubt creeps in, it can shake everything. This isn’t about one moment or one mistake—it’s about repeated behaviors, gut instincts, and subtle red flags. 

If you suspect someone is lying about cheating, it’s important to look at the patterns—not just the words.

Why do people lie about cheating? 5 possible reasons

Lying about cheating isn’t always just about deception—it’s often about fear, guilt, or even self-preservation. Some lie to avoid hurting their partner, while others protect themselves from the consequences.

But why do people choose dishonesty over the truth?

Understanding these reasons can help you recognize patterns and spot the common lies cheaters tell to cover their tracks.

• Fear of consequences

The thought of facing anger, disappointment, or even the end of a relationship can be overwhelming. Many people lie about cheating to avoid immediate confrontation, emotional distress, or the fallout that comes with being caught.

They may fear losing their partner, damaging their reputation, or dealing with intense guilt, so they choose deception as a form of self-protection.

• Self-justification

People don’t always see themselves as “bad” for cheating. To ease their guilt, they rationalize their actions—convincing themselves that their partner neglected them, that it was just a mistake, or that the truth would only cause unnecessary pain. 

This mental gymnastics helps them maintain their self-image while avoiding responsibility for their actions.

• Preservation of self-image

Admitting to cheating can shatter a person’s self-perception, making them feel like villains in their own stories. Instead of facing that reality, they may deny or downplay their actions to maintain a sense of moral integrity. They want to believe they are still a good partner despite their mistakes.

• Avoidance of conflict

Confrontations about infidelity can be emotionally intense and unpredictable. Some people lie simply to avoid arguments, emotional breakdowns, or the painful discussions that come with betrayal.

They may believe that if their partner doesn’t find out, there’s no need to cause unnecessary hurt or disrupt the relationship.

• Emotional insecurity

Deep-seated insecurities often play a role in dishonesty. Those with anxious or avoidant attachment styles may cheat as a way to seek validation, cope with fears of abandonment, or maintain control of the relationship. 

Instead of confronting their insecurities, they lie to protect themselves from rejection or shame, fearing that honesty might push their partner away. 

How does lying affect relationships

Lying, especially about cheating, doesn’t just hide the truth—it weakens trust and creates emotional distance. Both the betrayed and the liar face psychological burdens, leading to anxiety, guilt, and strained communication. Here’s how dishonesty affects relationships:

• Breaks trust – Once trust is broken, every word and action may be questioned.
• Causes emotional distress – The betrayed partner may feel anxious, insecure, or paranoid.
• Leads to overanalyzing – Every conversation may be dissected for hidden meanings.
• Creates guilt and fear – The liar may live in constant stress, afraid of being caught.
• Encourages justification – Some convince themselves that telling the truth would make things worse, raising the question do cheaters admit to cheating. 
• Prevents honest communication – Emotional distance grows, making it harder to reconnect.
• Traps both partners – The deceiver may feel stuck, unsure how to undo the damage.
• Erodes safety and intimacy – Without honesty, real emotional closeness becomes impossible.

Some may justify their actions, convincing themselves that honesty will only worsen things. Others may feel trapped, unsure how to undo the damage without losing everything. No matter which side you’re on, dishonesty erodes connection, making it harder to feel truly safe and understood in the relationship.

How to tell if someone is lying about cheating: 7 telling signs

Catching a lie isn’t as simple as spotting nervous behavior or a shift in tone—people lie differently, and not all signs are foolproof. If you suspect your partner is dishonest, looking at patterns rather than single moments is important. 

A sign alone doesn’t confirm anything, but when combined with inconsistencies and real evidence, it can help you make sense of the situation. Here are some common signs of how to tell if someone is lying about cheating over text or face-to-face—but remember, none of these are absolute proof.

1. Their stories keep changing

A person telling the truth tends to stick to their story, even when asked about it days or weeks later. But someone lying may struggle to keep track of what they’ve said. They might change small details—like where they were, who they were with, or when something happened.

• Why it happens: Lying takes effort. When fabricating stories, they have to remember the details they made up. Over time, inconsistencies may slip through.
• But be careful: Memory isn’t perfect, and even honest people forget details sometimes. A small inconsistency isn’t proof of cheating—the frequency and significance of changes matter.

2. They get defensive or overreact when asked

It’s natural for someone to feel uncomfortable when questioned about cheating, even if they’re innocent. But it might be a red flag if your partner overreacts—getting unusually angry, accusing you of not trusting them, or shutting down the conversation entirely.

• Why it happens:  A guilty person may make you feel bad for asking instead of answering the question. Some may wonder how to tell if your partner is lying about cheating. Some do—out of guilt or because they want to come clean—while others deny it to protect themselves or the relationship.
• But be careful: Some people have trauma from past relationships where they were falsely accused. If they react strongly, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re lying—it could be triggering for them. Look at how they communicate overall rather than just one reaction.

3. Their behavior suddenly changes

If your partner was always open with their phone, affectionate, or comfortable around you, and now they’re acting distant, irritable, or secretive, it might be cause for concern. Sudden changes in behavior—like staying out later than usual, avoiding eye contact, or seeming less engaged in conversations—could suggest they’re hiding something.

• Why it happens: Guilt and anxiety can make people act differently. If someone is lying, they may unconsciously withdraw or overcompensate by being extra sweet to keep suspicion away.
• But be careful: Changes in behavior can happen for many reasons—stress at work, personal struggles, or even mental health issues. Before jumping to conclusions, consider all possible explanations.

4. They avoid eye contact—or stare too much

A classic belief is that liars avoid eye contact. While this can sometimes be true, skilled liars may do the opposite—staring at you intensely to appear truthful. Sudden changes in eye behavior, like darting eyes, excessive blinking, or forced eye contact, might suggest they’re feeling uncomfortable.

• Why it happens: Lying often creates internal tension. Some people avoid eye contact out of guilt, while others overcompensate to seem convincing.
• But be careful: Eye contact alone isn’t proof of anything. Some people naturally struggle with maintaining eye contact due to anxiety, shyness, or neurodivergence.

5. They get unusually private with their phone or devices

If your partner suddenly puts a password on their phone, takes calls in another room, or quickly closes apps when you walk in, it could be a sign that they’re hiding something.

• Why it happens: Cheating often involves texting or calling someone in secret. If someone is lying, they may guard their phone more than usual to avoid getting caught.
• But be careful: Wanting privacy doesn’t always mean they’re cheating. People have personal boundaries, and they might just want space. However, if this sudden secrecy is paired with other suspicious behavior, it may be worth paying attention to.

6. Their body language seems off

Body language can reveal a lot about someone’s emotions. If your partner fidgets, avoids your gaze, touches their face a lot, or appears stiff and unnatural when answering questions about their whereabouts, they might feel nervous.

• Why it happens: When someone is lying, they may experience physical discomfort, leading to fidgeting, shifting posture, or unusual speech patterns.
• But be careful: Not everyone shows nervousness the same way. Some people are naturally fidgety, and others may remain calm even when lying. It’s important to observe patterns rather than relying on body language alone.

7. They keep accusing you of cheating

A surprising but common tactic among guilty partners is to flip the script and accuse you of cheating instead. This is called projection, where someone transfers their guilt onto another person to deflect suspicion.

• Why it happens: They may think that by putting you on the defensive, you’ll stop questioning them. It’s also a way to justify their actions—”If I think they’re cheating, then what I did isn’t so bad.”
• But be careful: False accusations don’t always mean someone is lying about their behavior. Some people have trust issues from past experiences or insecurities that make them suspicious. However, if the accusations feel sudden and aggressive, it may be a tactic to shift attention away from their actions.

These signs someone is lying about cheating aren’t always definite proof of infidelity—people change for many reasons. Instead of assuming, look for real evidence and have an open conversation. If you’re wondering how to tell if someone is lying about cheating, focus on patterns, not just one behavior. 

Trust your instincts, but also seek clarity. You deserve honesty, understanding, and peace in your relationship.

What should you do if you find out they’re lying?

Finding out your partner has lied about cheating is painful and overwhelming. You might feel anger, sadness, and confusion all at once, unsure of what to do next.

While it’s tempting to confront them right away, acting on impulse can make things worse. Instead, take a step back and allow yourself time to process your emotions.

Here are five wise ways to handle the situation:

1. Take a step back before reacting

When emotions run high, it’s easy to lash out. However, an immediate confrontation may lead to a defensive argument instead of an honest conversation. Instead, take some time to process your feelings.

• Example: Instead of sending an angry text when you find out, wait until you’ve calmed down. This gives you a chance to decide how to address the situation rather than saying something you might regret.

2.  Gather the facts before accusing

Before confronting your partner, ensure you have solid reasons to believe they’re lying. Misunderstandings can happen, and jumping to conclusions might damage your relationship unnecessarily. Look at the evidence objectively and consider if there could be an alternative explanation.

• Example: If you saw suspicious messages on their phone, ask yourself if there’s any context you might be missing. Is there a chance they’re work-related or from a platonic friend? Being certain before confronting them prevents unnecessary conflict.

3. Choose the right time and place

A heated discussion in the wrong setting can lead to more harm than resolution. Instead of confronting them in the middle of an argument or a public place, choose a calm, private setting where you can both talk openly without distractions.

• Example: Rather than bringing it up during a social event or in a moment of anger, wait until you’re alone in a neutral space, like at home during a quiet evening. This allows for a more constructive conversation.

4. Use “I” statements to encourage honesty

Accusing your partner directly can put them on the defensive, making it harder to get the truth. Instead, use “I” statements to express your feelings and concerns. This keeps the conversation open and encourages them to be honest.

• Example: Instead of saying, “You’re lying to me! I know you cheated!” try, “I feel really hurt because I found these messages, and I need to understand what’s going on.” This approach is less confrontational and increases the chances of a meaningful discussion.

5. Decide what’s best for you

Once you have the whole picture, reflect on whether trust can be rebuilt or if too much damage has been done. Healing takes time, and only you can decide what’s right for your future—whether that means working through things together or walking away to protect your peace.

• Example: If they admit to lying but show true remorse and take steps to rebuild trust, you might consider working through it. But if they deny everything despite clear evidence and ignore your concerns, it may be best to walk away for your own emotional well-being.

Watch this Ted Talk by Tasha Jackson, where she discusses how breakups hurt, but you can heal.

Moving forward: choosing what’s best for you

Discovering dishonesty in a relationship—especially about something as serious as cheating—is never easy. Lies can shake the foundation of trust, leaving you with difficult emotions and even tougher decisions. 

If you find out your partner has been lying, take the time to process your emotions before deciding your next steps. Whether you work through it or walk away, the most important thing is clarity. And that starts with knowing how to tell if someone is lying about cheating.

Relationships thrive on honesty, respect, and trust—without them, it’s hard to feel truly safe and valued. Knowing how to tell if someone is lying about cheating is just the first step—what you do with that knowledge matters most. 

No matter what, remember that you deserve truth and clarity. Surround yourself with support, and know that healing is possible, whether that means rebuilding trust or choosing a fresh start.

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Milica Markovic Other

Milica Markovic has graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy with a degree in Clinical Psychology. She has 7 years (and counting) of Psychotherapy and Coaching education (both Transactional Analysis and Psychology of Personal Constructs) and experience in working with clients. Throughout her career,... Read more she has had remote clients around the world facing various personal, academic, or professional challenges. She finds her primary duty is to establish a trusting environment in which clients can feel safe enough to discuss anything that might be troubling them and grow closer to their goals. She believes that whether you are experiencing a personal, relationship related, or professional challenge, the journey to surpassing it can be made easier with the right help by your side. Milica is also a strong advocate of lifelong learning and continuous improvement. Read less