If you're in a relationship and you like a coworker's photo on social media, are you microcheating? That's a term couples therapists say they've heard more in recent years as more people work remotely.
Microcheating refers to subtle actions in relationships that may not constitute full-blown infidelity but can still be considered breaches of trust, such as secretly messaging someone, engaging in flirty behavior with others, or maintaining a dating app profile while in a committed relationship. According to relationship experts, these behaviors can erode trust and lead to feelings of betrayal, even if they are not as overt as traditional cheating. The concept has gained attention in the social media age, where interactions with others are more visible and frequent, making it easier to engage in such behaviors. While opinions vary on the seriousness of microcheating, many agree that open communication and setting clear boundaries are essential in addressing and preventing these issues in relationships.