Dealing with a cheating boyfriend? Here’s Agony Aunt’s advice

Think your boyfriend is cheating? Read Liv’s advice on how to tackle the situation…

Dear Liv,

I’m in a bit of a dilemma – I think my boyfriend might be cheating on me. Worse, I think it might be with my flatmate! He’s been really distant lately, he barely speaks to me except from when my flatmate is around, and then they have flirty banter right in front of me! He says he’s just trying to make an effort with my friend, but they both happen to be out of the house at the same time constantly. I really want to check his phone but I don’t know if I’m just being paranoid. Help!

Love,

Anxious Annie

Hi Annie,

I’m sorry to hear this! The best advice I can give you here is you need to talk to your boyfriend, or your flatmate… or both. You need to address this because obviously if it is the case, you need to leave the unhealthy relationship. But, if it isn’t you need to be able to be honest with them and explain how its making you feel. You shouldn’t be made to feel uncomfortable around your boyfriend and flatmate, that’s not fair and they’re both wrong for that. I really wouldn’t recommend checking his phone though… it crosses a boundary that you can’t retract from. Have a chat with him. But Annie, even if he’s not cheating, do you want to be with someone who is distant and makes you feel this way?

Have a think, and hang in there!

Keep your questions coming!

Liv x

(o.j.gillard@warwick.ac.uk)