Trust is the foundation of any good relationship. But how do we know when a man is truly trustworthy? Psychology offers some insight.

There’s a world of difference between a man who merely appears trustworthy and one who truly is. The key is to look for subtle signs in his behavior.

I’m here to share with you 7 tell-tale signs that may suggest a man isn’t completely trustworthy, according to psychology. It’s all about understanding the nuances and making informed decisions.

Keep reading to arm yourself with knowledge, and remember – trust your gut. It’s often smarter than we give it credit for.

1) Inconsistencies in his stories

We all know honesty is the cornerstone of trust.

When it comes to judging a man’s trustworthiness, one of the first things to pay attention to is the consistency in his stories. Psychology tells us that maintaining a lie over time can be difficult, and inconsistencies can often creep in.

Imagine this: he tells you about a weekend trip with friends, but the details change each time he recounts it. Or perhaps there are discrepancies between what he tells you and what you hear from others.

These are the moments when you should pause and take note. If his stories aren’t lining up, it could be a sign that he isn’t entirely trustworthy.

2) He avoids eye contact

Eye contact can convey more than words. It’s a powerful tool in communication and, according to psychology, a sign of honesty.

I once dated a guy who rarely made eye contact while speaking to me. At first, I brushed it off, thinking he was just shy. But as our relationship progressed, I noticed he would often avoid my gaze when we discussed serious matters or when I asked him about details concerning his past.

It didn’t take long for me to realize this was a red flag. His lack of eye contact suggested he was uncomfortable or potentially hiding something. And turns out, he was being dishonest about certain aspects of his life.

Not everyone who avoids eye contact is untrustworthy, but it’s definitely something that should make you stop and think. Especially when it becomes a pattern in serious conversations.

3) He’s quick to make promises

Promises are easy to make but not always easy to keep.

In the world of psychology, it’s well-known that individuals who frequently make grand promises can sometimes be trying to hide their true intentions. This is because a promise can distract us from their actions or lack of them.

For example, a man who is constantly promising to spend more time with you, but never actually makes the effort, might be using these promises as a cover-up for his lack of commitment or honesty.

It’s crucial to remember that actions speak louder than words. If his actions don’t match up with his promises, it could be a sign that he’s not entirely trustworthy. Trust is built on consistency between words and actions.

4) He deflects responsibility

Taking responsibility for one’s actions is a fundamental characteristic of a trustworthy person.

However, if you notice a man constantly blaming others for his mistakes or failures, it could signal a lack of accountability. Deflection is often a defense mechanism used to protect one’s self-image, but over time, it can erode trust.

For instance, if he’s always pointing fingers at his colleagues for missed deadlines, or blaming his friends for plans that didn’t pan out, it could indicate that he struggles to take responsibility.

Trust is built on accountability and reliability. A man who can’t own up to his actions may not be as trustworthy as you’d hope.

5) He’s secretive about his past

Transparency is another important element in building trust.

Let me take you back a few years. I met a man who was charismatic, charming, and seemed very open. However, as our relationship developed, I realized he was quite secretive about his past. He would often change the topic or give vague responses when I asked about his prior relationships or his childhood.

Over time, this secrecy began to cast a shadow over our relationship. It made me question what he was hiding and why he wasn’t comfortable sharing it with me.

While it’s okay to keep certain things private, being overly secretive – especially about significant life events or relationships – might indicate that he’s not entirely trustworthy.

6) His actions don’t match his words

Actions speak louder than words, and this is especially true when it comes to trust.

If a man says one thing but does another, it can be a clear sign that he’s not entirely trustworthy. This disconnect between words and actions can create confusion and uncertainty, both of which are detrimental to trust.

For instance, if he tells you he values honesty but repeatedly hides things from you or isn’t transparent when asked straightforward questions, it’s a clear red flag.

Remember, trust isn’t just about what is said—it’s also about what is done. A man who is consistent in his actions and words is much more likely to be trustworthy.

7) He lacks empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a crucial characteristic of any trustworthy individual.

A man who lacks empathy is likely to disregard your feelings or needs. He may prioritize his own desires over yours, or fail to show understanding when you’re going through a tough time. This lack of empathy doesn’t bode well for trust.

At its core, trust is about feeling safe and understood. A man who can’t empathize with you, who can’t put himself in your shoes, might not be the trustworthy partner you need. Empathy fosters connection and understanding, key ingredients in any trusting relationship.