If someone is being dishonest with you, they’ll usually display these 9 subtle body language signs

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | September 25, 2024, 1:48 pm

Nobody likes to be lied to straight to their faces. And more often than not, we know we’re being lied to. 

It might be that something just feels “off” or the person doesn’t seem to be able to make eye contact when talking about something sensitive. 

Often, the body tells us what their words won’t. 

If you suspect someone is being dishonest with you but don’t know for sure, these body language signs can help you get closer to the truth. 

1) Lack of eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. It’s one of the ways we connect with others and show our interest and engagement in a conversation.

However, when someone is being dishonest, they may avoid making eye contact. This can be a subtle sign that they’re uncomfortable or feeling guilty about the lie they’re telling.

Keep in mind, though, that not all people who avoid eye contact are deceitful; some may just be shy or anxious.

But if you notice this behavior along with other signs of dishonesty, it might be time to question the truthfulness of what they’re saying.

2) Fidgeting excessively

In my own experience, I’ve noticed that people often fidget more when they’re not telling the truth.

It’s as if their body is trying to release the tension and discomfort caused by the act of lying.

I remember a time when a close friend of mine was being unusually restless during a conversation. He kept tapping his fingers, shifting in his seat, and playing with his watch.

Although I initially brushed it off as him being just nervous or anxious, I later found out he had been lying about something significant.

Of course, like with any other signs, this isn’t a definitive proof of dishonesty.

But when observed along with other indications, excessive fidgeting could be a hint that something isn’t quite right.

3) Changes in speech pattern

When someone is lying, their speech pattern can undergo subtle changes.

This could be talking faster or slower than their usual pace, stammering, or even a sudden increase in the number of filler words like “um”, “ah”, and “you know”.

Research has also found that when people lie, they tend to use fewer first-person pronouns.

This is thought to be a subconscious way of distancing themselves from the lie.

If you notice such changes in someone’s speech while they’re telling you something important, it could be a sign that they’re not being totally honest with you.

4) Forced smile

A smile is usually a sign of happiness or friendliness, but not all smiles are genuine. When someone is being dishonest, their smile can often feel forced or appear unnatural.

A genuine smile, often referred to as a Duchenne smile, involves the muscles around the eyes. When someone is truly happy and smiling naturally, you’ll see crinkles or ‘crow’s feet’ around their eyes.

When someone is lying, their smile may only involve the muscles around the mouth.

The eyes don’t participate in the deception. So if you notice a smile that doesn’t reach the eyes, it might be a sign of dishonesty.

Again, this isn’t a surefire sign of lying on its own, but it can contribute to an overall picture if observed along with other signs.

5) Defensive body language

Another sign of dishonesty can be defensive body language. This could involve crossing arms, leaning away, or creating physical barriers between themselves and the person they’re speaking to.

For instance, someone might place a coffee cup, a bag, or even a book between you and them when they’re being dishonest.

It’s as if they’re subconsciously trying to protect themselves from being caught in a lie.

It’s essential to consider the context while interpreting these signs, though. Someone might cross their arms because they’re feeling cold or lean away because they’re tired.

But if this behavior is observed along with other signs of dishonesty, it could be a red flag.

6) Lack of mirroring

In our interactions with others, particularly those we feel close to or comfortable with, we tend to mirror their body language.

This subconscious mimicry, known as mirroring, is a sign of empathy and rapport.

However, I’ve noticed in my interactions that when someone is being dishonest, they often stop this natural mirroring behavior. It’s as if the act of lying disrupts their ability to connect empathetically.

For example, you might be leaning forward in a friendly, engaged manner, but they remain rigid and unresponsive. Or you may notice that they’re not matching your positive energy and enthusiasm in a conversation.

This lack of mirroring, while not a definitive indication of dishonesty on its own, can suggest a disconnect between what they’re saying and how they’re truly feeling. And sometimes, that disconnect stems from dishonesty.

7) Touching or covering the mouth

This subtle body language sign is something I’ve noticed in my own interactions. When someone is being dishonest, they may unconsciously touch or cover their mouth while speaking.

I remember a time when I was having a deep conversation with a dear friend. She kept placing her hand over her mouth every time she spoke about a particular topic.

As it turned out, she was hiding some important information about that issue.

Just like the other signs, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Some people might touch their faces more often due to nervousness or even a habit.

But in conjunction with other signs, it could be a hint towards dishonesty.

8) Rapid blinking

You may not usually pay attention to someone’s blink rate, but it can be an insightful indicator of their state of mind.

When a person is lying, their blink rate can increase significantly.

This is because lying often requires more cognitive effort, causing an increased level of stress and anxiety which can manifest in rapid blinking.

But remember, context is critical. Increased blinking can also be due to dry eyes, allergies or even exhaustion. It’s only when combined with other signs that it may suggest dishonesty.

9) Inconsistencies in their story

Above all, a clear sign of dishonesty is inconsistencies in what someone is telling you.

If the details of their story keep changing each time they tell it, or if their actions don’t align with their words, it’s likely that they’re not being truthful.

This inconsistency can extend to their body language as well. For instance, they might seem relaxed and comfortable while telling you something distressing, or they might appear nervous while discussing something supposedly pleasant.

When it comes to spotting dishonesty, always trust your instincts and pay attention to these subtle signs. Because more often than not, the truth lies in the details.

Trust your instincts

Understanding human behavior, particularly the subtle signs of dishonesty, is a fascinating journey into the complexities of communication and psychology.

The renowned psychologist Paul Ekman, known for his work on detecting lies, once said: “Most lies succeed because no one goes through the work to figure out how to catch them.”

WitOur bodies often reveal what our words attempt to conceal. So even though it’s essential to approach these signs with caution and understanding, never underestimate the power of your intuition.