Are you seeing signs of an affair from your partner or significant other? Or, at the very least, are you thinking you're seeing them? But, how do you know? The doubt can absolutely kill you and cause you to question your own sanity or view of reality. Often times, the not knowing is worse than the knowing. There's a line from an old John Cleese film where he says, "I can take the despair, it's the hope I can't stand." When you're in a place where that makes sense, you may be in the need of serious help in your life.

Statistics overwhelming show that vast majority of both men and women who suspect their partners are involved in something extra curricular (having an affair) are correct, anywhere from 50-85% worth of accurate. Ouch. We live in a culture that wants to be incessantly stimulated. It's everywhere. TV. Movies. Games. Our relationships.

We move at an MTV pace, biting off life into quick bites without even tasting our food and then complaining when we have a tummy ache. We turn to professionals and drugs to have it explained to us and to calm down. We do not live in an easy place to navigate our lives, and nothing is more complex than an intimate adult relationship. If you're encountering some trouble, you are far from alone.

Here are Five quick things to look for if you looking for signs of an affair:

1) You call your spouse at work and no one knows where they are. Only by the sound of the person on the other line, everyone knows where they are. If your significant other isn't around for phone calls, try making an unannounced visit to the place of work. You'll be able to tell a lot by the looks you're getting as you walk through. If their co-workers are looking at you like you're related to The Elephant Man, you may have a problem on your hands.

2) Your spouse or partner is suddenly attending functions that once were reserved for you as a couple all alone. "Uh, honey, no need to trouble yourself with this one. I'll take care of it." A time or two and it is probably an act of consideration. If it's a pattern of behavior: a one-way ticket to Trouble Town.

3) If you share a car, the gas tank that was full yesterday is near empty today. Let's see. Work. Home. Work. Home. And, the gas tank has nothing in it. Ricky, you got some explaining to do.

4) Your partner doesn't return your calls in a timely manner. Here again, if this happens sporadically, no big deal. Over and over again, then what's up? You need to especially note it if your partner was at one time prompt in returning your calls.

5) This last one may be a bit callous for some readers, so be forewarned: most men and women look different after an intimate encounter than they do before. You know your partner better than anyone. Do they have 'that look'? Flush cheeks? Dilated pupils? Are they carrying a different scent: perfume, cologne?

This is just the tip of the ice berg of what to look for when you're being smacked in the face with signs of an affair. The list is actually endless. Bottom line: You know your significant other better than anyone does. Look at the evidence and search your heart. You'll know the truth and what to do.