Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that some couples basically ignore, while others make a huge deal out of it. As long as you and your partner are on the same page, then that’s no problem – but at the same time, it can also be a time when cheaters are more commonly exposed.
If your partner is cheating on you then they need to balance how they celebrate Valentine’s Day with you and with the affair partner – and that can cause them to slip up.
Let’s take a look at how February can be the prime time to catch your partner out, if you have suspicions that they could be cheating.
Sign #1 – being vague when making plans
A partner who is committed to your relationship should have a clear idea of how they want to spend Valentine’s Day with you.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a cosy night in, or even an agreement to skip the celebrations altogether, there should be an open and honest discussion about plans.
If your partner suddenly seems evasive or unwilling to commit to a specific time or place, this could be a red flag. They might be trying to keep their schedule flexible to accommodate someone else.
You may notice them saying things like, “Let’s see how work goes,” or “We’ll sort something out closer to the time.”
This hesitation isn’t always proof of infidelity – and you’ll probably know if your partner is just terrible at being organised – but if it’s coupled with other secretive behaviour, such as guarding their phone or disappearing for long periods, it’s worth paying attention to.
A cheating partner may be trying to avoid the awkwardness of double-booking or scrambling to create a cover story.
Sign #2 – making plans, but not for Valentine’s Day
Perhaps your partner is more than happy to make plans with you – but oddly, they suggest celebrating on the 13th or 15th instead of the actual day.
While there may be innocent reasons for this, such as work commitments, a packed restaurant scene, or personal preferences, it could also indicate that they’re reserving the 14th for someone else.
Cheaters often use this tactic to keep both relationships intact. They might claim to dislike Valentine’s Day or insist that celebrating on another day is “less commercialised” or “more meaningful.”
But if they seem unusually set on avoiding February 14th, it’s worth questioning whether they’re spending it elsewhere. If they suddenly have a work event, a family obligation, or an excuse that doesn’t quite add up, it may be time to dig a little deeper.
Sign #3 – cancelling your plans at the last minute
Few things are more disappointing than gearing up for a romantic evening, only to have your partner pull out at the last moment.
If this happens once due to a genuine emergency, it’s understandable – but if it becomes a pattern, or the excuse seems flimsy, it might be cause for concern. Cheaters often use last-minute cancellations as a way to shift their plans when their affair partner demands their attention.
Excuses like “I’m feeling unwell,” “Something urgent has come up at work,” or “A friend needs me” can be convenient ways to back out without raising immediate suspicion.
However, if your partner cancels without making any effort to reschedule or make it up to you, that could be an indication that their priorities lie elsewhere.
Pay attention to their behaviour in the days leading up to and following Valentine’s Day – does something feel off? If so, it may not be just bad luck that ruined your plans.
Sign #4 – not buying you a gift, or getting you something cheap and thoughtless
A gift on Valentine’s Day isn’t about the price tag – it’s about the thought behind it. If your partner has always been the type to put effort into gifts but suddenly doesn’t bother this year, it could indicate a shift in their feelings or priorities.
A last-minute, generic present, like a petrol station box of chocolates or a hastily bought supermarket card, might suggest that their focus was elsewhere.
Cheaters often struggle with the logistics of gift-giving because they have two partners to consider.
They may have splurged on a more meaningful or expensive gift for their affair partner while offering you a bare-minimum effort. If you get the sense that they forgot about Valentine’s Day entirely or didn’t even attempt to make you feel special, it’s worth questioning why.
Sign #5 – getting you a gift that’s too extravagant
On the flip side, an overly extravagant gift can also be a warning sign. If your partner suddenly showers you with expensive jewellery, designer accessories, or an unexpected trip, ask yourself whether it’s in line with their usual behaviour.
While some people simply enjoy spoiling their partners, excessive spending can sometimes be a form of guilt-driven overcompensation.
Cheaters often try to ‘buy’ their way out of suspicion, using grand gestures to deflect from their dishonesty.
If their actions feel out of character, or if they seem unusually eager to impress you with material things rather than emotional connection, it might be worth questioning whether they’re trying to cover up something else. A guilty conscience can sometimes lead to extravagant attempts at reassurance.
Sign #6 – hiding financial transactions
Money often leaves a trail, and if your partner is cheating, they may go to great lengths to hide financial evidence of their affair.
Unexplained cash withdrawals, hidden credit card transactions, or vague descriptions on bank statements can all be clues that something isn’t quite right. If they suddenly become defensive about shared finances or refuse to explain suspicious expenses, it’s worth looking into further.
Some cheaters will buy gifts, book hotel rooms, or even dine out with their affair partner – and they’ll often go to great lengths to ensure you don’t see the proof.
They may start using cash more frequently, open a separate bank account, or delete transaction histories from their online banking. If you notice inconsistencies, such as receipts that don’t match their alibi or sudden spikes in spending that don’t add up, you may have reason to be suspicious.
Final thoughts
Valentine’s Day has a way of putting relationships under the spotlight – and for those who are cheating, it can be a time when mistakes are made and secrets start to unravel.
If you notice any of these signs in your partner’s behaviour, don’t jump to conclusions immediately, but do trust your instincts. Communication is key, and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth having an open and honest conversation.
But if you’re worried about being gaslighted, or you have concerns that your partner may not react well to the conversation, gathering evidence can help. And for that, you might need the help of a private investigator.
If you want some assistance in getting to the bottom of your suspicious partner’s activity, feel free to give us a call on 01772 334700.