Lying might seem like an easy way out of tough situations, but the truth tends to out in the end.
While the most prolific liars think they’re being slick and that they’ll never get caught, they tend to give themselves away by doing certain things that make their dishonesty pretty apparent. Here are some of their biggest errors when trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes.
1. Their stories change over time.
Liars often struggle to keep their stories straight. You might notice small details changing each time they retell a story. The inconsistency happens because they’re trying to remember the lie they told, rather than recalling an actual event. Pay attention to these shifting details, as they can be a clear sign of dishonesty.
2. They avoid direct questions.
When confronted with direct questions, liars often dodge or deflect. They might change the subject, answer a question with another question, or give vague responses. This avoidance tactic is used to buy time or to avoid getting caught in a lie. If someone consistently fails to give straight answers, it could be a red flag.
3. Their body language doesn’t match their words.
Non-verbal cues can often betray a liar. They might fidget, avoid eye contact, or display nervous tics while telling a lie. Sometimes, their facial expressions might not align with the emotion they’re trying to convey. While body language alone isn’t definitive proof of lying, consistent mismatches between words and non-verbal signals can be telling.
4. They overcompensate with details.
In an attempt to make their lies more believable, some liars go overboard with unnecessary details. They might provide an excess of information, even when not asked. Their over-explanation often stems from a desire to fill in potential gaps in their story. If someone’s constantly volunteering too much information, it might be worth questioning why.
5. They get defensive when questioned.
Liars often react strongly when their truthfulness is questioned. They might become angry, defensive, or try to turn the tables by accusing the questioner of being paranoid or untrusting. Their overreaction is usually an attempt to discourage further questioning. A disproportionate response to simple questions can be a sign that someone has something to hide.
6. They have a history of dishonesty.
Past behaviour often predicts future actions. If someone has a track record of lying, even about small things, it’s likely they’ll continue this pattern. While people can change, a consistent history of dishonesty is a strong indicator that they might not be trustworthy now. It’s important to consider a person’s past actions when evaluating their current truthfulness.
7. They use qualifying statements.
Liars often use phrases like “to be honest,” “to tell you the truth,” or “believe me” excessively. These qualifying statements are used to make their lies seem more credible. However, truly honest people rarely feel the need to preface their statements with such phrases. If you notice someone overusing these qualifiers, it might be a sign they’re trying too hard to convince you.
8. Their stories are too perfect.
Real life is messy and full of coincidences and unexpected events. When a story sounds too perfect or convenient, it might be fabricated. Liars often create stories that tie up all loose ends neatly, which can actually make them less believable. If every detail in someone’s account fits together perfectly, it might be worth considering whether it’s too good to be true.
9. They can’t recount events in reverse order.
When asked to recount events backwards, liars often struggle. That’s because they’ve usually rehearsed their story in a specific order. Genuine memories can be recalled from different starting points, but fabricated stories are harder to rearrange on the spot. If someone consistently has trouble recalling events out of sequence, it could indicate their story isn’t true.
10. They exhibit signs of relief when conversations end.
Maintaining a lie can be stressful. You might notice a liar visibly relax when a conversation about their deception ends. They might sigh in relief, change the subject quickly, or suddenly become more cheerful. The shift in demeanour can be a sign that they’re glad to be out of the hot seat and no longer need to maintain their facade.
11. They use distancing language.
Liars often subconsciously try to distance themselves from their lies. They might use less personal language, avoiding “I” statements or using passive voice. For example, instead of saying “I didn’t take the money,” they might say “The money wasn’t taken by me.” Linguistic distancing can be a subtle sign of dishonesty.
12. Their social media doesn’t align with their stories.
In the digital age, liars can often be caught out by their own social media activity. They might forget about a post that contradicts their story, or their online presence might reveal inconsistencies in their claims. Always cross-reference important claims with available online information, as social media can often reveal truths that people try to hide.
13. They have selective memory.
Liars might claim to forget key details that could expose their dishonesty, while having perfect recall of other, less important information. Their selective memory is a tactic to avoid being caught in a lie. If someone consistently “forgets” crucial details but remembers minor ones, it could be a sign of dishonesty.
14. They project dishonesty onto other people.
Sometimes, liars accuse other people of being dishonest as a deflection tactic. They might question everyone else’s truthfulness or integrity to draw attention away from their own lies. Their projection can be a subconscious admission of their own dishonesty. If someone is always quick to accuse other people of lying, it might be worth considering their own truthfulness.
15. They have inconsistent emotional responses.
Liars might display emotions that don’t fit the situation. For instance, they might smile when discussing a sad event or show anger when it’s not warranted. These mismatched emotional responses occur because they’re focusing on maintaining their lie rather than reacting naturally to the topic at hand. Consistently inappropriate emotional reactions can be a sign of dishonesty.
16. The truth eventually comes out.
Perhaps the most common way liars reveal themselves is simply that the truth eventually surfaces. No matter how careful a liar is, maintaining a false narrative over time is extremely difficult. Whether through slip-ups, contradictory evidence, or confessions from other involved parties, lies tend to unravel given enough time. Patience often reveals what questioning cannot.
