Lies are part of human interaction, but that doesn’t mean you have to be fooled.
It’s important to notice the signs that someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. These aren’t subtle clues – they’re glaring red flags. If you spot these, it’s time to question what you’re being told. Don’t let politeness or wishful thinking cloud your judgment.
1. They suddenly change their body position.
Source: Unsplash When someone abruptly shifts their stance or seated position during a conversation, especially when asked a direct question, it’s often a sign of discomfort. This sudden movement can indicate they’re trying to create a physical barrier or distance themselves from the lie. Watch for crossed arms, turned shoulders, or a step back. These are instinctive protective gestures that often accompany deception.
2. Their eye contact becomes erratic.
Source: Unsplash Contrary to popular belief, liars don’t always avoid eye contact. Instead, they might overcompensate by staring too intensely or have unnatural patterns of looking away and back. Pay attention to sudden changes in eye behaviour when specific topics are brought up. If their gaze becomes shifty or they blink rapidly, they might be constructing a lie or feeling anxious about maintaining one.
3. They give too many unnecessary details.
Source: Unsplash When someone provides an abundance of irrelevant information, especially in response to a simple question, they’re often trying to bolster a lie. This overflow of details is an attempt to make their story seem more credible. They might describe mundane aspects of their day or add excessive context to a straightforward explanation. It’s a classic overcompensation tactic to distract from the core deception.
4. Their story changes with each retelling.
Source: Unsplash Inconsistency is a hallmark of lying. If someone’s account of events shifts each time they tell it, they’re likely fabricating or altering details. Pay close attention when they repeat a story – do the key facts remain the same? Liars often struggle to keep their narrative straight, especially under questioning. Note any contradictions or convenient ‘memory lapses’ about important details.
5. They get defensive when questioned.
Source: Unsplash A disproportionate defensive reaction to simple questions can be a sign of lying. If someone becomes irritated, angry, or accusatory when you ask for clarification or more information, they might be trying to deflect attention from their deception. Watch for phrases like “Why don’t you believe me?” or “I can’t believe you’re questioning my integrity!” These are often attempts to make you feel guilty for doubting them.
6. They use distancing language.
Source: Unsplash Liars often subconsciously try to distance themselves from their lies. Listen for language that creates separation, such as referring to themselves in the third person or using phrases like “that person” instead of names. They might also avoid using “I” statements, opting for more passive language. This linguistic shift is an attempt to psychologically remove themselves from the falsehood.
7. Their facial expressions don’t match their words.
Source: Unsplash Micro-expressions – brief, involuntary facial movements – can betray a liar’s true feelings. Look for fleeting expressions of anger, fear, or disgust that contradict what they’re saying. A smile that doesn’t reach the eyes or a momentary frown during a positive statement can indicate deception. These split-second expressions are hard to control and often reveal the truth behind the lies.
8. They try to change the subject abruptly.
When someone consistently attempts to steer the conversation away from a particular topic, it’s often because they’re uncomfortable with it. This could be due to lying or hiding information. Pay attention to sudden topic changes, especially if they occur whenever you approach a specific subject. It’s a tactic to avoid further questioning or to prevent themselves from slipping up.
9. They mirror your body language too closely.
While some mirroring is natural in conversation, excessive or unnatural mirroring can be a sign of deception. Liars might unconsciously copy your posture, gestures, or tone of voice in an attempt to build rapport and seem more believable. If you notice them mimicking your movements too closely or suddenly, it could be a manipulative tactic to gain your trust.
10. Their voice pitch changes.
Source: Unsplash Stress can affect vocal patterns, and lying is certainly stressful. Listen for changes in pitch, speed, or tone when someone is explaining something. A higher pitch might indicate tension, while a lower one could signal an attempt to sound more authoritative. Sudden changes in speaking pace – either speeding up or slowing down – can also indicate that someone is crafting a lie on the spot.
11. They use qualifying statements excessively.
Source: Unsplash Phrases like “to be honest,” “to tell you the truth,” or “believe me” are often red flags when used excessively. These qualifying statements are attempts to bolster credibility, but they can have the opposite effect. If someone repeatedly uses these phrases, especially at the beginning of sentences, they might be trying to convince themselves as much as you.
12. They fidget or display nervous tics.
Source: Unsplash Increased nervous behaviours can be a sign of lying. Watch for fidgeting, playing with objects, hair twirling, or excessive swallowing. These actions release nervous energy and can betray inner tension. While some people are naturally fidgety, pay attention to sudden increases in these behaviours, especially when discussing certain topics. It’s their body’s way of coping with the stress of deception.
13. They give non-committal responses.
Source: Unsplash Vague or evasive answers are often used to avoid outright lying. If someone consistently responds with “maybe,” “I guess,” or “I’m not sure” to direct questions, they might be buying time or avoiding commitment to a false statement. Pay attention to how often they use these non-committal phrases, especially if they’re usually more decisive in their speech.
14. They use humour to deflect.
Source: Unsplash Using jokes or sarcasm to avoid answering questions directly can be a sign of deception. While humour is a normal part of conversation, pay attention if it’s consistently used to sidestep serious or probing questions. This tactic is employed to lighten the mood, change the subject, or make you feel uncomfortable about pressing further. It’s a clever way to avoid lying directly while still concealing the truth.
15. They repeat your questions before answering.
Source: Unsplash Repeating a question before answering it is often a stalling tactic. It gives the person time to think of a response or to calm their nerves. While this isn’t always a sign of lying, frequent use of this technique, especially with simple questions, can indicate that someone is carefully constructing their answers. It’s a way to buy precious seconds to formulate a believable response.
16. Their body language becomes still.
While some liars fidget, others might become unnaturally still. This ‘freezing’ behaviour is an attempt to control all aspects of their body to avoid giving away tells. If someone suddenly becomes rigid or stops their normal gesturing when discussing a particular topic, it could indicate they’re lying. This stillness is often accompanied by limited facial expressions as they try to give nothing away.
17. They offer to swear on something.
Source: Unsplash When someone volunteers to swear on something important – like a loved one’s life or a sacred object – without being asked, it’s often a red flag. This dramatic offer is usually an attempt to end questioning and cement their credibility. It’s an emotional manipulation tactic designed to make you feel guilty for doubting them. Honest people rarely feel the need to make such extreme declarations unprompted.
18. They use blocking gestures.
Source: Unsplash Watch for physical actions that create barriers between you and the person speaking. This might include crossing arms, holding objects in front of their body, or turning slightly away. These blocking gestures are subconscious attempts to shield themselves from the discomfort of lying. While these actions can have other causes, they’re worth noting, especially if they occur when discussing sensitive topics.
