Here’s how men who cheat on their wives tend to behave.
It’s long been observed that a man who has a relationship on the side suddenly becomes much more secretive.
How an Unfaithful Husband Acts at Home
- Sets passwords on his phone, computer, and other gadgets.
- Activates hidden notifications on his smartphone.
- Stays late at work, meetings, or business events frequently.
- Finds urgent errands on weekends.
- Starts taking better care of his appearance—losing weight, exercising, buying new clothes, especially underwear.
- Spends extended time in the bathroom or toilet with his phone.
- Avoids answering calls immediately and returns calls later.
- Reduces or avoids intimacy, or alternatively, suggests experimenting with new sexual experiences.
Although many men with affairs exhibit these behaviors, their actions can vary depending on their intentions for the future. In fact, unfaithful husbands can generally be divided into three categories.
Three Types of Unfaithful Husbands
1. Those Who Cheat but Don’t Plan to Leave
These husbands behave in ways that prevent their wives from suspecting anything. They create a comfortable home environment, ensuring the wife has no reason to file for divorce, even if she knows about the affair.
In a way, these husbands seem ideal—they realize that cheating is wrong and even feel guilty about their actions. To make up for their neglect, they compensate their wives and children with financial comforts and gifts.
2. Those Who Are Unsure Whether to Stay or Leave
This type of husband hasn’t yet decided if he will leave his marriage. He acts polite and attentive, continues to support his family, and tries to spend time with his wife, but emotional distance becomes evident.
- He might ask for a separate blanket, claiming it’s more comfortable that way.
- Suddenly, he may start wearing pajamas, even if he never did before.
These subtle changes signal a deeper internal struggle about the relationship.
3. Those Who Are Already Halfway Out the Door
These men struggle to hide their emotional detachment. They may remain in the marriage because of shared assets, children, or the established routine, but their thoughts are elsewhere.
Signs of Emotional Detachment
- Increased irritability. When a man no longer feels affection for his wife but has feelings for someone else, everything about her can irritate him—her habits, concerns, or even her suggestions about weekend plans or shopping.
- Avoidance of shared time. A husband emotionally checked out of the marriage will find any excuse not to join family gatherings, trips, or events. He may even provoke an argument before his wife’s birthday to avoid celebrating it with her.
- Separate sleeping arrangements. If the affair becomes more serious than the marriage, the husband will try to leave the marital bed, possibly moving to the couch in another room. If he hasn’t fully decided to leave, he’ll make this change under a seemingly innocent pretext.
- Unusual reactions. He may flinch if touched unexpectedly during sleep, as if startled by a stranger’s touch. A similar reaction can occur if his wife tries to hold his hand or hug him—he might instinctively pull away, indicating that his physical connection is now with someone else.
- Other Red Flags to Watch For. The husband may increasingly spend time away from home under any excuse. Conversations will be limited to everyday matters, and he might even request new dishes that his wife has never cooked before.
These behaviors provide clues that a husband may be emotionally distancing himself, signaling that the relationship might be nearing its end.