How do you know when someone tells you a lie? This is not always an easy task to accomplish. Many people make lying a way of life for themselves. As an honest person, you wouldn’t even think about lying. You still need to know if someone else is, though.
Here are 9 easy ways to spot a liar. Once you can spot it, you can call it out.
The next time you suspect someone lies to you, here’s how to tell. Watch how they act, and check it against this list.
THEY CAN NEVER REMEMBER THEIR STORY
If it seems really far out there, it probably is. If they can’t remember the small details, or they change it’s a red flag. Many try to confuse you or make you look like the crazy one. Remember that someone who isn’t lying doesn’t change the story or forget what they told you.
EYE CONTACT IS IMPOSSIBLE
If someone is telling you something, but always looking away – beware. Lack of eye contact usually means lack of integrity. If someone can’t look you square in the eye, they can’t do that with themselves either. Usually the lack of eye contact equates to an energy of untruthfulness, and the liar is afraid you’ll find them out.
FIDGETING IS PART OF THEIR GAME
If someone fidgets and looks squirmy – it’s because their mind is. Someone’s body language is a huge indicator of their inner state. Usually if someone is fidgeting around while talking, you aren’t getting the whole story. Uncomfortable thoughts equal uncomfortable demeanor. Makes sense right?
NERVOUS ENERGY FILLS THEIR SPACE
Sometimes you may get weird vibes, and not know why. Trust your instincts. If they seem to emanate an energy of anxiety and nervousness, they may be afraid of being found out. Liars tend to be extremely on edge about their fake image being torn down.
THEY WON’T STOP ADDING TO THE STORY
Some liars even need to add more lies to their original lies. This tendency may cause them to keep talking, to change the lie in your mind. The liar may add another small detail, that was left out before. Be careful and ask them to reflect back to you what they just said. Notice any inconsistencies.
THEY SEEM ENGAGED IN AN INNER BATTLE
If the potential liar is sitting introspectively and looking troubled – look out! If the liar has a conscience, they will feel unresolved about the lies they told. Lying can make a person feel like they really messed up. Let the mistake be on them, because it is.
THEY BACK OFF
Backing away physically, is a sign of inner fear. The liar fears confrontation and feels conflicted about their lies. They will almost surely not get too close to you, because they fear your reaction to their lies.
THEIR STORY DOESN’T SOUND RIGHT
If you happen to know something for a fact that opposes their story, that’s a red flag. Some people who compulsively lie may possibly be in too deep with themselves. These people may not even be in touch with reality and think everyone believes them. If several weird stories come from them, you can take it to the bank that they’re full of manure.
YOU’VE CAUGHT THEM IN A LIE BEFORE
“Past performance is the best indicator of future performance,” said television personality Dr. Phil. If you have caught someone in a lie before, what makes you think they won’t do it again?
Some people are hard to believe at any time, so consider the source.
By Derrick Ivey
