There’s a thin line between being cautious and being paranoid. Especially when it comes to judging if someone is honest or trustworthy.

It all boils down to subtle behaviors. Those tiny signs that give away their true intentions, even when their words are saying something else.

Spotting these subtle behaviors isn’t about being cynical or distrusting, but about being smart and discerning. And let me tell you, there are certain behaviors that are telltale signs of dishonesty or untrustworthiness.

In the following article, I’ll be revealing the top 9 subtle behaviors that may raise red flags about a person’s honesty and trustworthiness. 

Let’s get started.

1) They avoid eye contact

In the world of non-verbal communication, eye contact holds a significant place. It’s a powerful tool for conveying honesty and sincerity.

But when someone consistently avoids making eye contact, it can often be a subtle sign of dishonesty or untrustworthiness. It’s as if they’re trying to hide something or divert your attention away from their deceit.

Keep in mind though, avoiding eye contact isn’t always a surefire sign of deceit. It could also be due to shyness or social anxiety. But when paired with other suspicious behaviors, it might serve as a warning bell.

2) They change the subject quickly

This is one that I’ve personally experienced and it was quite an eye-opener.

I once had a friend who had a tendency to quickly change the topic whenever I brought up certain subjects. Initially, I brushed it off, thinking he just wasn’t comfortable discussing those topics.

One day, I confronted him about a rumor I’d heard – it was about him owing a large amount of money to someone. As soon as I brought it up, he immediately switched topics, talking about the weather, of all things.

His quick shift in conversation raised my suspicions. And as it turned out, the rumor was true. He’d been avoiding the topic because he didn’t want me to know about his financial troubles.

3) They touch their face a lot when speaking

Did you know that under stress, blood rushes to our face making our skin itch? This is why people often unconsciously touch their face when they’re not telling the truth. It’s a reflex action, a response to the discomfort of lying or hiding something.

In his book “Telling Lies”, psychologist Paul Ekman explains that these “micro-expressions” can give away a liar. He found that people tend to touch their nose or mouth more often when they’re being deceptive.

If you notice someone frequently touching their face while talking, especially in response to certain questions or topics, it might be a sign they’re not being entirely truthful.

4) They provide too much information

You’d think a dishonest person would stick to minimal details, right? Surprisingly, the opposite is often true. When someone is not being honest or trustworthy, they often feel the need to overcompensate by providing too much information or overly complex explanations.

It’s as if they’re trying to build a fortress of words around their lie, hoping the sheer volume of information will distract you from questioning its validity.

It might be a smokescreen hiding their true intentions or dishonesty.

5) They’re uncomfortable with silence

Silence can be very telling. It can reveal a person’s comfort level and whether or not they’re being authentic. When someone is being dishonest, they often feel unease during moments of silence. They might try to fill these gaps with unnecessary chatter, or seem visibly uncomfortable.

For them, silence is akin to an interrogation spotlight, bringing unwanted attention to their deceit. They fear that you might notice something amiss in their story or demeanor, so they try to avoid it.

6) They rarely show empathy

Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others – is a cornerstone of trust and honesty. It’s hard to be deceitful when you genuinely care about how your actions affect others.

But when someone rarely shows empathy, it can be a subtle sign of their lack of honesty. If they can easily dismiss or ignore other people’s feelings, it might be easier for them to lie or deceive.

It’s a sad reality, but some people use this lack of empathy as a shield to hide their true intentions. 

7) They’re inconsistent with their stories

I’ve learned from experience that consistency is key to honesty. There was a time when a friend of mine would tell me stories that didn’t quite add up. The details would change each time, and it left me feeling confused and doubtful.

It turned out, my friend was being dishonest about his situation. The inconsistencies were a result of him trying to keep up with his web of lies, which became more tangled each time he told the story.

Inconsistencies may seem minor at first glance, but they can be telling signs of dishonesty or deception. 

8) They’re defensive without reason

Defensiveness can be a natural reaction when someone feels attacked or misunderstood. But, when someone is overly defensive without a clear reason, it could be a sign they’re trying to hide something.

Being defensive is like building a wall around oneself, hoping to keep prying eyes away from what’s hidden behind. It’s a tactic often used by those who aren’t being entirely honest or trustworthy.

If you find someone frequently getting defensive, even over minor things, it might be more than just sensitivity. It could indicate they’re not being completely open or truthful with you.

9) They break promises repeatedly

Trust is built on the foundation of kept promises. When someone consistently breaks their promises, it erodes that foundation, indicating they may not be as honest or trustworthy as they appear.

It shows a disregard for your feelings and expectations, which is often a characteristic of deceitful behavior.

Actions speak louder than words – if their actions consistently don’t match their promises, it’s a clear sign they’re not entirely honest or trustworthy.