If you notice a lipstick stain or strange perfume on your boyfriend once, it may just be from a friend or relative, so you shouldn’t necessarily worry. However, if it happens more than once, you may have cause for concern.

A guy who’s cheating may shower more often because he’s trying to wash away another woman’s perfume, so if your boyfriend is suddenly showering two or more times a day, you may have reason to be concerned.

Even people who are in a relationship deserve privacy, so it’s never a good idea to go through your boyfriend’s phone to look at the call log, text messages, or emails. That’s true even if you suspect that he’s cheating.

If your boyfriend is a social media addict, he may be using the apps to communicate with other girls or even meet new people. Just as with his phone, you should respect your boyfriend’s privacy even when you’re suspicious. Don’t try to figure out his social media passwords, so you can go through his accounts.

Even if your boyfriend isn’t closing doors in order to communicate with other people, it can still be a sign of a problem in your relationship because it signifies emotional distance. [6] X Research source

Always consider the source when it comes to accusations that your boyfriend is cheating. Some friends and family members may be genuinely concerned about you, but others may be letting their own baggage affect their perception. For example, if you have a friend who’s recently had a significant other cheat on her, she may be more likely to accuse your guy, even if he’s done nothing wrong.

Problems in one relationship can carry over to the other, so if your boyfriend is fighting with his other girlfriend, you may deal with the fallout in your relationship.

See how he reacts when you say “I love you. ” If he’s reluctant to even say “Me too,” that’s a big red flag.

All affection doesn’t have to be physical. If he stops using his favorite nickname for you or doesn’t use your special emojis in texts, you should also pay attention.

Guys are usually plagued by guilt and become overly affectionate in the early stages of cheating. As the relationship with the other woman continues, the guilt – and the increased attention – may diminish. [12] X Research source

Make sure to choose a time to talk with your boyfriend when you know you won’t be interrupted. If you want to have a serious, honest conversation, neither of you should be taking phone calls or answering texts. [17] X Research source Try to stay as calm as possible. If you immediately put your boyfriend on the defensive, you’re probably not going to get any real answers. Remember that your goal is a conversation, not a confrontation. [18] X Research source

For the best results, you should be as non-judgemental as possible when you’re laying out the reasons that you’ve come to suspect your boyfriend of cheating, so try to start your sentences with “I” and not “you. ” For example, you might say, “I feel like we’re growing apart and I’m upset about it. ” That can make your boyfriend more likely to listen to what you have to say. [20] X Research source

Give you boyfriend a chance to answer your questions. Don’t yell at him or assume you know what he’s going to say. He may have an explanation for his actions that will relieve your fears.