The secret emoji code cheaters are using to keep their affairs hidden
We would all like to think that our partner would only have eyes for us and would never stray. Unfortunately, that's not always the case in relationships.
Recent figures from Illicit Encounters suggest that around one in five married couples in the UK experience infidelity at some point during their relationship. And the figures for general flings were even higher.
Two thirds of men (67 per cent) admitted having cheated at least once in their lives. And although the figure for women was lower at 53 per cent, it's still more than half.
So it's perhaps not surprising that some partners are becoming more and more suspicious of their other halves. And they are using modern technology to help them rumble any loverats in their lives.
From using fitness apps to track their lover's location to getting underhand advice from TikTok. But the cheaters themselves are getting sneakier too and also using modern methods to hide their affairs.
While some are utilising things like hidden apps or privacy phone screens to protect themselves from snooping partners, others are hiding in plain sight with something more subtle.
According to ARF Private Investigators, certain adulterers are using specific emojis as a code for their secret trysts. ARF's Paul Jones says messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat are a hotbed for hidden relationships, with some sneaky symbols replacing the traditional love letter.
Many of the cases the private investigator works on have been sparked by something as small as an emoji that may seem random but actually has a hidden - and more romantic - meaning.
Paul said: "Over the past year we've seen an increase in people using everyday symbols as a way to communicate without getting caught. On the surface, it might look innocent, but there's usually a deeper meaning."
Among the most common signs are the harmless-looking croissant or spaghetti emoji, as well as the envelope with the loveheart - which is one that could potentially trigger suspicions, given the red heart.
Paul said: "We've had people using a croissant emoji as a way of saying 'meet me for breakfast', or the letter emoji as a subtle 'text me when you're free'. It's like their own language, one that their partner isn't meant to understand."
The private investigator also highlighted other symbols, like the chilli - for flirtation or intimacy - and the fishing rod - for someone looking for attention.
Paul said: "Used once or twice they don't mean much, but when you see them appearing regularly in chats with the same person, especially late at night, they start to mean something more.'
For anyone who has spotted an emoji on your partner's phone that doesn't quite feel right and wants to dig a wee bit deeper, Paul has offered some advice.
He said: "Start with your gut. If your partner suddenly starts hiding their phone, keeping conversations short, or you notice new contacts with strange names or emojis, that's when you should start asking questions.
"I'm not saying you should go snooping, but if the messaging habits have changed and things feel off, don't ignore it.'
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