Ever feel like you’re surrounded by people who are full of it?
If you’re nodding your head right now, you’re not alone. Some of us have a knack for seeing through the BS, for detecting those subtle inconsistencies, and reading between the lines. And let’s be real, those who are trying to pull the wool over your eyes probably hate your guts for it. But hey, that’s their problem, not yours. So, if you’re constantly catching people in their little fibs, here are 18 signs you might be a natural-born BS detector.
1. You notice when someone’s words don’t match their body language.
Someone might say they’re happy to see you, but their arms are crossed, and their smile doesn’t reach their eyes. Or they claim to be confident, but their posture is slumped, and they avoid eye contact. You pick up on these subtle cues and realise that their words and body language are telling two different stories.
2. You can spot a fake smile from a mile away.
A genuine smile involves the whole face, not just the mouth. When someone’s smile doesn’t reach their eyes, it’s usually a sign that they’re faking it. You can tell when someone is genuinely happy or just putting on a show for your benefit.
3. You pay attention to people’s microexpressions.
Microexpressions are fleeting facial expressions that reveal a person’s true emotions, even if they’re trying to hide them. They might last only a fraction of a second, but you’re able to catch them and decipher their meaning. This gives you an insight into their true feelings, even if they’re trying to put on a brave face.
4. You listen carefully to what people say (and what they don’t say).
You’re an active listener, paying attention not only to the words people say, but also to the nuances and inflections in their voice. You notice when they hesitate, stumble over their words, or change the subject abruptly. You also pick up on what they leave unsaid, reading between the lines to get a better understanding of their true intentions.
5. You can easily detect inconsistencies and contradictions in their stories.
When someone is lying or embellishing the truth, their stories often have holes or inconsistencies. You have a knack for spotting these discrepancies, noticing when details don’t add up or when the timeline doesn’t make sense. This makes it difficult for people to pull the wool over your eyes.
6. You pay attention to their tone of voice and choice of words.
Source: Unsplash The way someone speaks can reveal a lot about their intentions. You pay attention to their tone of voice, noticing if it’s sarcastic, condescending, or defensive. You also analyse their choice of words, looking for subtle clues that might reveal their true feelings or motives.
7. You trust your gut instincts and intuition.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes, you just have a feeling that something isn’t right. You might not be able to explain it logically, but your gut is telling you that someone is being dishonest or insincere. You’ve learned to trust your intuition and follow your instincts, even if you don’t have concrete evidence to back it up.
8. You’re not afraid to ask questions and challenge their statements.
Source: Unsplash You don’t just accept everything you’re told at face value. You’re willing to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and dig deeper to uncover the truth. You’re not afraid to call someone out on their BS, even if it makes them uncomfortable. This assertiveness can be intimidating to some, but it’s a testament to your intelligence and integrity.
9. You notice the subtle shifts in energy and atmosphere.
Source: Unsplash You’re highly attuned to the energy of a room and the subtle shifts in the atmosphere. You can sense when tension is building, when someone is feeling uncomfortable, or when a conversation is taking a turn for the worse. This awareness allows you to navigate social situations with ease and avoid getting caught up in unnecessary drama.
10. You pay attention to people’s past behaviours and patterns.
Source: Unsplash You have a good memory of people’s past actions and behaviours. You notice patterns and inconsistencies, which helps you predict how they might act in the future. This allows you to make informed decisions about who to trust, who to avoid, and how to navigate relationships.
11. You’re not easily swayed by flattery or charm.
You know that charm can be a manipulative tool, and you’re not easily fooled by smooth talkers or empty promises. You look beyond the surface and focus on a person’s actions and character. This allows you to see through their facade and determine their true intentions.
12. You have a strong sense of self and aren’t afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
You know who you are and what you stand for, and you’re not afraid to speak your mind or challenge the status quo. You don’t let people dictate your opinions or beliefs, and you’re willing to stand up for what you think is right, even if it’s unpopular. This strong sense of self makes it hard for people to manipulate or control you.
13. You trust your intuition and don’t second-guess yourself.
You’ve learned to trust your gut instincts and intuition. You know that your subconscious mind is constantly picking up on subtle cues and signals that your conscious mind might miss. When your intuition tells you something is off, you listen and take action accordingly. This trust in your own judgment allows you to make quick decisions and avoid getting caught up in doubt and uncertainty.
14. You’re a natural observer and pay attention to the little details.
Source: Unsplash You’re like a human surveillance camera, constantly taking in information about your surroundings and the people around you. You notice small details that other people might miss, like a change in someone’s body language, a flicker of emotion in their eyes, or a subtle shift in their tone of voice. This attention to detail gives you valuable insights into people’s thoughts and feelings.
15. You’re not afraid to call people out on their BS.
You’re not a doormat, and you’re not going to let people walk all over you. When you see someone being dishonest, manipulative, or disrespectful, you’re not afraid to call them out on it. You don’t tolerate BS, and you’re willing to stand up for yourself and other people. This assertiveness might make some people uncomfortable, but it earns you the respect of those who value honesty and integrity.
16. You have a healthy scepticism and don’t believe everything you hear.
Source: Unsplash You don’t just accept information at face value; you question it, analyse it, and look for evidence to support it. You’re not easily swayed by rumours, gossip, or unfounded claims. This healthy scepticism helps you avoid being misled or manipulated by people.
17. You’re able to detach yourself emotionally and see things objectively.
You don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. When you’re evaluating a situation or a person’s behaviour, you can step back and look at things objectively. This allows you to make rational decisions and avoid getting caught up in drama or conflict.
18. You’re constantly learning and improving your understanding of human behaviour.
You’re always looking for ways to expand your knowledge and understanding of human behaviour. You might read books on psychology, attend workshops, or simply observe people in different situations. This ongoing learning helps you refine your skills and become an even better judge of character.
