Is your partner a red flag? How to spot the signs of cheating
IT’S all over the internet. Posts that expose cheating partners are taking our social media by storm. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat have become both the stage and the spotlight for these kinds of exposure, turning private betrayals into public spectacle in hopes to achieve some kind of digital justice.
As these stories trend, they highlight our collective anxiety of being cheated on. But as much as cheating is prevalent, could we predict it? Are there any warning signs or glaring red flags that we just choose to ignore in our relationships?
For this article, republicasia interviewed Dani Buenvenida, the podcaster of Landian with Dani and a ‘Landi’ tip coach, has many experiences on the dating scene. She shares some tips about the red flags you should look out for.
Tip 1: They get mad when you ask them things
“Red flag I think is them getting mad or bothered if you ask their whereabouts,” said Dani.
Such behavior may indicate they’re hiding something or feeling guilty about their activities. A simple question like “Where were you?” shouldn’t trigger frustration or avoidance unless there’s something they’d rather not share.
While it might be a red flag, Dani. reminds us there’s a fine line between simply asking and obsessively prying into your partner’s details.
“I mean, if you ask about their whereabouts, ‘wag namang minute-by-minute. Like be satisfied naman siguro with one update,” she said.
Tip 2: They don’t introduce you to their friends or family
“Why would he do that, especially if he’s giving the impression that he wants to take you seriously? That’s another thing,” said Dani.
Actions like these can create confusion and make you question the sincerity of your partner’s intentions, leaving you to wonder if he’s truly committed or just playing games.
“It might mean that he doesn’t want to incorporate you in his life,” added Dani.
Tip 3: They don’t want to talk about personal stuff
Dani said that another red flag to be on the lookout for is when your partner expresses his desire to be with you, but he doesn’t want to talk about something that is personal.
“If they don’t talk about personal stuff with you, that’s already a red flag.”
When a partner avoids sharing personal details, it could be a sign they’re trying to keep you at arm’s length emotionally—especially if they’re involved in something they don’t want you to find out about… like their double life.
This reluctance to talk about personal matters may be a way to avoid slipping up or revealing inconsistencies.
Tip 4: They are always so defensive
“They would always be defensive, ‘yung tipong ‘you’re just saying your opinion and they don’t have to defend themselves, but defensive na agad sila. Like, ‘hindi kasi, ganito kasi ako eh’. I’m not asking you,” explained Dani.
This kind of overreaction can signal a partner’s intention to deflect attention or avoid accountability, especially if they feel cornered by the truth.
A partner who becomes overly defensive might be trying to justify questionable behavior before you even confront them about it, which could be a subtle sign of guilt.
Tip 5: When they refuse to set boundaries with their girl best friends
“I’m personally a girl best friend but when my guy best friends have a girlfriend, I distanced myself,” said Dani.
She told us that it was all a matter of boundaries.
“Let’s say single pa ‘yung person, best friend kayo. Pero ‘pag nagka-relationship na ‘yung person, dapat ‘yung best friend niya ay ‘yung ka-relationship niya,” she explained.
Dani said that setting boundaries is also a matter of respect to your partner.
“You have to respect their time,” she said.
Spotting red flags in a relationship can be tough, but trust your instincts. Behaviors like defensiveness, secrecy, or poor boundaries shouldn’t be ignored.
As Dani reminds us, healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and open communication. If those are missing, it might be time to rethink your connection.
