There’s a wide gap between dealing with someone who’s honest and a person who lacks integrity.

The distinction lies in the truth. An honest man shows you his true colors, without hiding anything. A man lacking integrity, however, is like a chameleon, changing colors to suit his purpose.

Psychology gives us some clear signs to identify such individuals. And trust me, being aware of these signs can save you a lot of heartache.

So let’s dive into the 8 telltale signs you’re dealing with a man who lacks honesty and integrity. And remember, forewarned is forearmed.

1) He’s a master of deception

In the realm of psychology, deception is often seen as a clear sign of dishonesty.

A man who lacks integrity can be a master at hiding his true self. They can create a facade, a picture-perfect image that conceals their true intentions and actions.

This is where your detective skills come into play. You need to look for inconsistencies between what he says and what he does. Are there discrepancies in his stories? Does he avoid answering questions directly?

Remember, words are easy. Actions tell the real story. If they don’t align, you might be dealing with a man who lacks honesty and integrity.

But remember, everyone can have an off day. Don’t jump to conclusions based on a single incident. Look for patterns over time. If the inconsistencies persist, that’s a red flag waving right at you.

2) He avoids eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful tool for communication. It’s often said that eyes are the windows to the soul.

In my personal experience, I once dealt with a man who struggled to maintain eye contact during our conversations. His gaze would wander off, or he would find some reason to look elsewhere. At first, I brushed it off as him being shy or reserved.

But as time went on, I noticed this pattern continued especially when we were discussing serious matters. His evasive eye contact paired with inconsistencies in his words and actions led me to suspect his honesty.

According to psychology, avoiding eye contact can be a sign of lying or hiding something. Now, it’s important to remember that not everyone who avoids eye contact is dishonest. But if it’s a recurring pattern paired with other signs, you might be dealing with a man who lacks honesty and integrity. My experience taught me that it’s crucial not to ignore these subtle cues.

3) He often blames others

In the psychological world, a common trait among individuals who lack integrity is the tendency to shift blame onto others.

Rather than accepting responsibility for their actions, these people find it easier to point fingers and play the victim. This constant deflection can be a mechanism to protect their ego and maintain their false image of perfection.

Here’s something to consider: a study found that people who frequently blame others are less likely to learn from their mistakes and improve.

So if you notice a man constantly blaming others even when it’s clear that he’s at fault, be warned. This could be a sign that he lacks honesty and integrity.

4) He breaks promises regularly

Promises are like social contracts. They bind us to our word and hold us accountable for our actions.

A man who lacks honesty and integrity, however, views promises differently. To him, they’re just words, easily given and easily broken.

If you find that he makes grand promises but rarely follows through, take note. Is it a one-time thing or a recurring pattern? If he consistently fails to keep his word, it’s a strong indication that he lacks integrity.

Remember, trust is built on consistency. A person who can’t stick to his promises is unlikely to be reliable in other areas as well.

5) His apologies lack sincerity

We all make mistakes. It’s a part of being human. But how we handle these mistakes, particularly how we apologize, says volumes about our character.

A man lacking honesty and integrity often gives insincere apologies. You know the kind – “I’m sorry you feel that way,” or “If I did something wrong, I’m sorry.” These are not true apologies. They’re designed to shift the blame and minimize their responsibility.

A heartfelt apology involves acknowledging the mistake, taking responsibility for it, and expressing genuine remorse.

Dealing with someone who can’t offer a sincere apology can be emotionally draining. It leaves you feeling invalidated and disrespected. So if his apologies often leave you feeling worse rather than better, it’s a clear sign that he lacks honesty and integrity.

6) He lacks empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a cornerstone of any healthy relationship.

I once knew a man who seemed to lack this crucial trait. Whenever I shared my feelings or concerns with him, he would dismiss them or even worse, use them against me later. It felt as if my emotions were irrelevant to him.

Psychology tells us that a lack of empathy is often associated with individuals who lack honesty and integrity. They struggle to empathize because acknowledging others’ feelings might require them to confront their own dishonest behavior.

So if you’re dealing with a man who is dismissive or insensitive to your feelings, take it as a warning sign. It could indicate that he lacks honesty and integrity.

7) He thrives on drama

It’s important to remember that a person’s actions often speak louder than their words.

A man who lacks honesty and integrity may often be at the center of conflicts and dramas. He might even seem to thrive on it, stirring the pot when things are calm. This constant need for drama can be a diversion tactic, used to draw attention away from his own dishonest actions.

If you find that he tends to create unnecessary drama or enjoys playing people against each other, it’s a clear indication of a lack of integrity. Healthy relationships are built on peace and mutual respect, not constant tension and turmoil.

8) He shows a pattern of disrespect

At the heart of honesty and integrity lies respect – respect for others and respect for oneself.

A man who lacks honesty and integrity will often show a consistent pattern of disrespect. This can range from belittling comments and dismissive behavior to outright hostility.

The key here is consistency. We all have our off days, but if there’s a persistent pattern of disrespect, it’s a glaring sign that he lacks honesty and integrity.

Respect is non-negotiable in any relationship. If it’s missing, it’s time to reconsider your association with this person. Because you deserve nothing less than respect and honesty in your relationships.