If you feel that you and your partner are growing apart, it might be a red flag. Relationship expert Elizabeth Winkler identifies key signs that could indicate infidelity.

1. **Sex Addiction**
Some individuals cheat not out of love or lust but due to an uncontrollable cycle of seeking new experiences to fill an emotional void. This behavior often leads to guilt but continues in a destructive loop. Seeking professional help is crucial in such cases.

2. **Craving Validation**
Cheating can sometimes be driven by a need to feel “seen” and desired. The rush of being wanted can act like a drug, leading to repeated patterns of infidelity, especially in individuals with narcissistic tendencies.

3. **Unresolved Emotional Trauma**
People who have experienced childhood trauma may cheat as a way to protect themselves from emotional pain. Addressing past wounds together as a couple can strengthen a relationship and prevent self-destructive behaviors.

4. **Self-Sabotage**
Some individuals cheat as a way to ruin their own happiness, believing they don’t deserve success in their personal or professional life. This often stems from deep-seated insecurity or past experiences of loss.

5. **Emotional Distance**
A partner who suddenly becomes emotionally unavailable may be cheating. This behavior can stem from an avoidant attachment style, where closeness feels overwhelming, causing them to create emotional distance.

If you notice these signs in your relationship, open communication and seeking professional guidance can help address underlying issues before they escalate.