Ever get the feeling that someone’s not telling you the whole truth?

It’s not always about what they say – sometimes, it’s how they say it or, in this case, don’t say it.

We’re going to take a look at 9 body language clues that might just reveal you’re dealing with someone who’s a bit shifty.

From the way they avoid eye contact to that nervous foot tap, understanding these signals can give you an edge in figuring out who you can really trust, whether you’re at work, hanging out with friends, or anywhere in between.

Let’s dive in:

1) Avoiding eye contact

It’s common knowledge that eye contact is a significant aspect of human communication.

However, did you know that a lack of it can be a telltale sign of someone being dishonest or shifty?

When we’re speaking the truth and feel confident, we naturally make eye contact.

It’s a sign of trustworthiness and honesty.

On the contrary, if someone consistently avoids your gaze, it could be because they’re hiding something.

Of course, not everyone who avoids eye contact is being dishonest – some people might just be shy or anxious.

But persistent avoidance, especially when discussing important matters, could be a red flag.

So, next time you’re having a conversation, take note of the other person’s eye contact. Is it steady and confident, or do they seem to be looking everywhere but your eyes?

This simple observation can give you a lot of insight into their intentions.

2) Excessive fidgeting

We’ve all been there – the restless leg, the constant tapping of a pen, the incessant playing with a piece of jewelry.

Fidgeting can be a clear sign of nervousness or discomfort.

I remember having a meeting once with a potential business partner.

He seemed confident, but I couldn’t ignore his constant fidgeting. He was continuously adjusting his tie, clicking his pen, and shifting in his seat.

It struck me as odd considering his seemingly confident demeanor.

As it turned out, he wasn’t being entirely truthful about his business’s financial status.

His excessive fidgeting was a subconscious sign of his unease and dishonesty.

You see, fidgeting is a hard habit to control, especially when someone is feeling uneasy or deceptive, making it an excellent indicator of someone potentially being shifty. 

It’s something subtle, but well worth looking out for.

3) Crossed arms

There’s a longstanding myth that crossed arms mean defensive, but as many experts now say, it can mean a myriad of things, from protecting yourself from negative energy to feeling uncomfortable or overstimulated. 

It’s a subconscious way for people to protect themselves and create a barrier between them and others.

But now think of it in the context of someone shady…

If someone has something to hide, they’re not going to be open and vulnerable around you. They’ll want to guard themselves and avoid being caught out. 

So, when someone crosses their arms during a conversation, it can mean they’re not entirely open to what you’re saying or that they might be hiding something.

4) Rapid blinking

Did you know that blinking can also be a significant indicator of someone’s emotional state?

We blink all the time, and most of the time, it just keeps our eyes moisturized.

But here’s the thing:

When we’re under stress or feeling uncomfortable, our blink rate tends to increase. This reaction is part of our body’s natural fight-or-flight response to perceived threats.

Remember, though, context is key. Someone might also blink more if they have something in their eye, so don’t jump to conclusions too quickly!

5) Inconsistent facial expressions

Consistency between what we say and how we express it is key in honest communication.

However, when someone is being deceitful, their facial expressions may not line up with their words.

For example, if someone tells a sad story but their face doesn’t show any signs of sadness, that’s a mismatch.

Or if they’re claiming to be excited about something, but their expression seems flat and uninterested, that’s another red flag.

Our faces have numerous muscles that react subtly and quickly to our emotions.

Trying to control them all to fake a particular emotion is a complex task, and most people aren’t very good at it.

So keep an eye out for any inconsistencies between what someone is saying and what their face is showing.

It’s a classic sign of someone trying to hide their true feelings or intentions.

6) Lack of mirroring

Have you ever noticed how you naturally start to mimic the body language of someone you feel connected to or empathetic towards?

This is known as mirroring, and it’s a sign of rapport and understanding.

You see, when we genuinely connect with someone, our body language tends to sync up with theirs.

We might cross our legs the same way, match their hand gestures, or even start to speak at the same pace.

But when someone is being shifty or deceptive, they often don’t mirror your body language.

In other words, they’re too focused on their own agenda to subconsciously sync with you.

7) Touching the face

Years ago, when I was in school and had to give a presentation, I was incredibly nervous and caught myself repeatedly touching my face, a sign of the discomfort I was feeling.

It got so bad a friend told me I was annoying her by constantly moving. 

I later learned that touching the face is often a self-soothing behavior that we resort to when we’re anxious or uneasy.

It’s also a common indicator that someone might not be completely honest with you.

If you notice someone frequently rubbing their nose, touching their lips, or scratching their cheek during a conversation, it could be a sign of deception.

Of course, as with all these signs, it’s important to consider other factors before concluding that someone is being shifty.

But it’s definitely something to watch out for.

8) Shuffling feet

Our feet can be quite expressive, even if we don’t realize it.

When someone is feeling uncomfortable or wants to leave a situation, they might start shuffling their feet or pointing them toward the exit.

This is because our feet often reflect our inner desires.

If we want to leave a situation, our feet might subconsciously point in the direction we want to go.

On the other hand, if we like something or feel comfortable around someone, we’ll face our feet towards them. 

Always remember to take other cues into account as well.

Body language is a complex language, and reading it correctly often involves looking at the whole picture.

9) Tight-lipped smile

And finally, a genuine smile is one that engages not just the mouth, but the entire face.

You’ll see it in the eyes, the cheeks, and the forehead.

On the contrary, a fake or forced smile often only involves the mouth, with the rest of the face remaining relatively still.

If you notice someone frequently giving you tight-lipped smiles where their eyes aren’t crinkling at the corners, proceed with caution. 

Wrapping it up: Trust your instincts

When it comes to deciphering the messages hidden in body language, it’s essential to remember that these signs are just one piece of the puzzle. 

However, it’s equally important to trust your instincts.

Our gut feelings often arise from our subconscious picking up on patterns and cues that our conscious mind might miss.

So, while you’re observing those crossed arms, shuffling feet, and tight-lipped smiles, don’t forget to tune into your own feelings and intuition.

Often, they can provide the most accurate insight into whether you’re dealing with a genuine person or a shifty character.