We all come across people who don’t tell the truth. But there’s a big difference between an occasional fibber and a seasoned liar.

Spotting a seasoned liar isn’t always easy. They have mastered the art of deception, often hiding behind a facade of charm and eloquence.

However, there are certain signs that can give them away. And if you notice these signs, you’re likely dealing with a professional in dishonesty.

Below, I’m going to share 9 key signs that you’re dealing with a seasoned liar. 

Let’s get started. 

1) They’re too good to be true

Seasoned liars are often masters at creating a picture-perfect image.

You know, the kind of people who always seem to have the perfect answer, the perfect excuse, or the perfect alibi. They make you believe that they’re just so perfect that they couldn’t possibly be lying.

But here’s the thing – nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes, we all have our flaws, and we all have our moments of weakness.

If someone consistently presents themselves as being flawless and infallible, it’s time to raise an eyebrow.

Even the most brilliant diamond has its imperfections. If you don’t see any in a person, you might just be dealing with a seasoned liar.

2) Their body language doesn’t match their words

Body language can be a powerful telltale sign of deception. I remember this one time, I was dealing with a colleague who always seemed to have an excuse for missing deadlines.

He would assure me with his words, saying things like “I’m on it, don’t worry” or “It’s almost done”. But his body language told a different story.

When I would ask him about his progress, he’d avoid eye contact, his shoulders would slump, and he would often fidget with his fingers or his tie – classic signs of discomfort and evasion.

It was like his body was betraying what his words were trying to hide.

That’s when I realized that I wasn’t dealing with just an occasional fibber, but rather a seasoned liar.

3) They change their story frequently

When someone is telling the truth, their story stays consistent. This is because our brains have a natural tendency to remember events in the order they happened.

Seasoned liars, however, may change their story as they adapt to questions or challenges. They add details, change sequences, or even completely alter the event to suit their needs.

4) They are uncomfortable with silence

Silence can be a powerful tool when trying to detect a liar. Most people are comfortable with short periods of silence during a conversation. It’s a time to gather thoughts, or just take a breath.

Seasoned liars, on the other hand, often feel uncomfortable during these silent moments. They may see it as a void that needs to be filled, usually with more lies or distractions.

If you’re suspecting someone is not being truthful, give them some silence. If they rush to fill it with unnecessary chatter or change the topic abruptly, it could be a sign that they’re hiding something.

Remember, sometimes it’s not just about what people say, but also about what they don’t say.

5) They tend to overcomplicate things

When someone tells the truth, they usually keep it simple. It’s a straightforward recounting of events as they happened.

Seasoned liars, however, often weave complex tales. They add unnecessary details, go off on tangents, or introduce irrelevant information. All these are attempts to confuse you and distract you from the fact that they’re not telling the truth.

If someone’s story seems unnecessarily complex and packed with too many details, it could be a sign that they’re not being honest.

The truth is usually simple and direct, so keep an ear out for overcomplicated narratives.

6) They avoid answering direct questions

One of the most heartbreaking instances of dealing with a seasoned liar is when you ask them a direct question, and they just don’t give you a straight answer.

It’s like they’re dancing around the truth, trying to avoid it at all costs.

They might divert the conversation, respond with a counter-question, or even laugh it off as if it was a joke. Anything but giving you the clear, honest answer you deserve.

It’s in these moments that the painful reality hits – you’re dealing with someone who would rather spin a web of lies than face the truth.

7) They’re often defensive

One time, I confronted a close friend about some discrepancies in their stories. Instead of providing clarity, they immediately went on the defensive. Accusations were hurled, blame was shifted, and tempers flared.

It was disheartening to see this reaction, especially from someone I trusted. But it was a clear sign – the defensiveness was a smokescreen for their lies.

If someone becomes overly defensive when questioned or challenged, it could be because they’re trying to protect their fabricated narrative. They’re not defending themselves from an attack; they’re defending their lies from the truth.

It’s a painful realization, but an important one when dealing with a seasoned liar.

8) They’re experts at gaslighting

Gaslighting is a manipulation technique where the liar makes you question your own perception of reality. It’s a form of psychological abuse that can leave you feeling confused and disoriented.

Seasoned liars are often skilled at gaslighting. They twist the truth, deny facts, and dismiss your concerns. All this to make you doubt your own memory, judgment, and sanity.

If you find yourself constantly second-guessing your own experiences or feeling guilty for questioning someone’s actions, it’s time to take a step back and assess the situation.

You might just be dealing with a seasoned liar using gaslighting tactics to keep their lies hidden. Always trust your instincts and don’t let anyone distort your reality.

9) They lack genuine remorse

At the heart of every lie, there’s a lack of respect for the person being lied to. This disregard often extends to the consequences of their lies.

Seasoned liars rarely show genuine remorse for their dishonesty. They may apologize when caught, but it’s usually more about being found out than about regret for their actions.

If someone repeatedly lies without showing authentic repentance or making efforts to change, it’s a clear sign you’re dealing with a seasoned liar.

Everyone deserves honesty and respect. Don’t settle for anything less.