Liars have got to be one of the most frustrating people to deal with.

In a world where honesty is highly prized, if you’re dealing with a liar, it can be a real challenge to figure them out.

Far too frequently, people accuse you of overthinking when you’re simply trying to determine the truth.

In fact, you’ve probably been labeled paranoid more often than you’d like.

Sound familiar? If so, stick around as we dive into 9 behaviors that almost always give away a liar.

1) They avoid eye contact

A clear giveaway that someone may be lying to you is their avoidance of eye contact.

People often look away or down when they’re not telling the truth because it’s a subconscious reaction to their discomfort with dishonesty.

Ironically, this lack of eye contact can often be mistaken for shyness or disinterest.

Others may perceive them as aloof or even rude, but in reality, they’re just struggling to maintain their lie.

This behavior is particularly prevalent among those who are not seasoned liars, as they’re not skilled at controlling their physical reactions.

So, if you notice someone avoiding eye contact during a conversation, don’t just brush it off as them being socially awkward.

It could very well be a sign that they’re not being completely truthful with you.

2) Their stories don’t add up

They often find it hard to keep track of the tales they tell, especially if they’re weaving a web of lies.

I remember once having a friend who would frequently change details of her stories. One time, she told me about a vacation she supposedly took to Italy. Initially, she mentioned staying in Rome, but later in the conversation, she suddenly switched to talking about the canals of Venice.

When I questioned her about the inconsistency, she became defensive and tried to brush it off as a simple mistake.

If you notice that someone’s story keeps changing or has glaringly conflicting details, it’s quite possible that they’re not telling the truth. It’s not just forgetfulness, it could be deceit.

3) They touch their face often

When someone is lying, they have a tendency to touch their face more often than usual.

This is a psychological response to the stress and anxiety of telling a lie.

The act of lying triggers the release of stress hormones, causing blood to rush to the face and making it itch. As a result, people who lie often find themselves scratching or touching their face.

4) They provide too much information

They often get carried away in the process of maintaining their deceit.

Instead of sticking to the basics, they tend to over-elaborate, providing far more information than necessary.

This is done in an attempt to make their lie seem more believable. They believe that by adding extra details, they appear more convincing and truthful.

However, this excessive information can often be a red flag. If someone is giving you an overload of unnecessary details without being asked, it’s worth questioning the veracity of their statements.

5) They’re uncomfortable with silence

Truth be told, liars are often terrified of silence.

In the quiet moments, they fear their deceit might be discovered. They worry that the silence will give you time to think, to question, to doubt their words.

So, they fill the silence. They talk, they distract, they divert. Anything to keep the quiet at bay and your attention off their lies.

It’s a subtle sign, but one that’s deeply telling. If someone seems overly eager to avoid silence in a conversation, it might just be because they’re hiding something.

6) They exhibit nervous body language

We all have our moments of nervousness, and it’s important to show understanding and empathy when we see others displaying signs of anxiety.

However, when it comes to detecting lies, nervous body language can be a significant clue.

Liars often exhibit signs of nervousness such as fidgeting, shuffling feet, or playing with their hair. This isn’t because they’re bad people or because they enjoy lying. It’s simply because lying puts a psychological strain on them, causing physical manifestations of that stress.

So if you notice someone displaying unusually nervous body language while they’re speaking to you, take it as a potential sign of deceit. 

But remember, it’s always crucial to approach the situation with kindness and understanding, as there could be other reasons behind their anxiety.

7) They have difficulty speaking

We’ve all been there, right? When we’re nervous or caught off-guard, sometimes words just don’t come out as smoothly as we’d like.

For liars, this difficulty in speaking can be especially pronounced. They might stutter, pause often, or even find it hard to articulate their thoughts clearly.

This is because their mind is working overtime, trying to fabricate a believable story while also maintaining their composure.

8) They change their tone of voice

In the case of liars, they often unconsciously change their tone or pitch of voice when they’re not telling the truth. It could go higher due to anxiety, or they might speak in a lower tone to appear more convincing.

So next time you notice someone’s voice doing a little dance mid-conversation, don’t just chalk it up to them being quirky. It could be a fun little tell that they’re not being totally upfront with you.

9) They become defensive

Let’s not beat around the bush here—liars don’t like to be questioned.

When their stories are challenged, they often react defensively. They may get agitated, argue back, or even attempt to turn the tables and accuse you of not trusting them.

It’s a harsh truth, but if someone immediately goes on the defensive when you ask for clarification or probe a little deeper into their story, it’s a strong indication that they might be hiding something.

Remember, honest people usually have no problem answering questions or providing more details. So don’t be afraid to trust your gut and stand your ground.

Final thoughts

Unraveling the truth in a web of lies can be a difficult task. You might feel frustrated, deceived, and even question your own judgment. But remember, your ability to observe and decipher these telltale signs of lying is a testament to your intuition and keen perception.

So if you’re dealing with a liar, don’t despair—you possess the power to discern the truth that lies beneath their deception.

Only those who are brave enough to face the truth deserve your honesty and trust.

Lastly, in a world full of falsehoods, your commitment to truth is a beacon of authenticity that others will appreciate.