Micro cheating is becoming an increasing trend among couples and it is proving dangerous to the success of any couple in the long term.

It involves a partner getting involved with people outside the relationship without getting physical.

You could be a serial micro cheater and not know about it because the behaviour seems harmless.

Psychologist Melanie Schilling explained to FEMAIL, "You might be engaging in micro-cheating if you secretly connect with another person on social media, if you share private jokes, if you downplay the seriousness of your relationship to your partner or if you enter their name under a code in your phone."

The secrecy and lying that accompanies it is what defines it as micro-cheating.

According to Pop Sugar, the common signs of micro-cheating include:

It can be particularly ruinous to a relationship as it opens the door to flagrant infidelity.

These actions that can easily be seen as a form of betrayal can erode the trust which is the basis of a relationship. For instance, if your partner constantly posts heart emojies or suggestive GIFs on somebody else's social media feed- it could seem like they're getting their kicks outside. Always liking an ex's images on Instagram or leaving the room to have an intimate conversation to someone you're attracted to is always suspect. It is only a text, an Uber request and a meal away from sleeping with someone else.

Relationships can only last if people can trust each other.

Should you be uncomfortable with how your partner establishes intimacy with people outside your relationship, be firm with your boundaries.

Speak with your partner and tell them what makes you uncomfortable.