Understanding body language can reveal more than words ever will.

People might not always say what they mean, but their nonverbal cues can be telling.

When it comes to identifying insincerity or deceit, these subtle signs can offer valuable insights.

We often overlook these signals in our day-to-day interactions, but paying attention to them can make all the difference in understanding someone’s true intentions.

Here are 7 subtle body language signs that could indicate someone isn’t being entirely honest with you.

1) Inconsistent eye contact

Here’s the first thing to watch out for.

Inconsistent eye contact. Now, you might be thinking, “But isn’t avoiding eye contact a classic sign of lying?” Well, yes and no.

While it’s true that some people find it hard to maintain eye contact when they’re not telling the truth, others might do the exact opposite.

They might hold your gaze for just a little too long, in an attempt to convince you of their honesty.

So what’s the key?

Look for changes in their normal behavior.

If they usually hold your gaze and now they’re looking away, or vice versa, that could be a sign something’s up.

2) Unusual fidgeting

Ah, the classic fidgeting.

I remember once I was in a meeting with a coworker who was usually very calm and composed.

But this time, he was acting a bit different.

He kept tapping his pen against the table, adjusting his tie, and constantly shifting in his seat.

He seemed more nervous than usual and it got me thinking, “Why is he so fidgety all of a sudden?”

It turned out, he was trying to hide some important information about the project we were working on.

His unusual fidgeting was a subconscious manifestation of his discomfort and dishonesty.

So, if you notice someone suddenly starts fidgeting when they’re usually pretty still, or vice versa, it might be worth taking note.

It could be their body’s way of saying “I’m not being entirely truthful here.”

Again, it’s important not to rush to judgment based on this alone.

But it’s definitely another piece of the puzzle that can help you detect insincerity or deceit.

3) Forced smiles

Have you ever seen a smile that just doesn’t reach the eyes?

I have, and it’s quite unsettling.

A genuine smile, one that reflects true happiness or amusement, involves the entire face – especially the eyes.

They light up, crinkle at the corners and you can see the authenticity radiating.

But a fake smile? It’s mostly limited to the mouth.

The eyes don’t crinkle and there’s a certain stiffness to it. It just doesn’t feel right.

This is because when we genuinely smile, it’s an involuntary reaction that engages specific muscles in our face.

But when we force a smile, we’re only able to engage some of those muscles.

4) Rapid blinking

Let’s talk about blinking, shall we?

Under normal circumstances, an average person blinks about 15-20 times per minute. But did you know that this rate can increase when someone is feeling stressed or anxious?

Yep, that’s right.

Rapid blinking might be a sign that someone is feeling uncomfortable with the conversation. It could be because they’re not being entirely truthful.

Of course, there are other reasons why someone might blink more frequently.

Dry eyes, allergies, and certain medications can also cause rapid blinking.

5) Touching the face

Ever noticed how some people touch their face when they’re nervous, anxious, or trying to hide something?

This is no random act.

According to research in the field of nonverbal communication, touching the face is a common ‘self-soothing’ gesture that can indicate someone is feeling uncomfortable or anxious – feelings often associated with deceitfulness.

So, suppose you’re having a conversation and notice the other person frequently touching their nose, covering their mouth, or rubbing their eyes.

In that case, it might be worth considering why they’re feeling uncomfortable.

Ultimately, context is key. If it’s allergy season, that constant nose touch might just be an itch!

6) Closed body language

Picture this.

You’re chatting with a friend and you notice they’ve crossed their arms, turned slightly away, and aren’t making much eye contact.

It’s easy to take this personally and think they’re not interested in the conversation. But let’s pause for a moment.

Closed body language can sometimes signal discomfort, nervousness or yes, insincerity.

Maybe they’re struggling with something personal or perhaps they’re finding it difficult to be entirely honest in the conversation.

But here’s the important part – it’s crucial to approach these situations with empathy.

If someone’s body language indicates they’re uncomfortable, try to create a safe and open environment for them to express themselves.

After all, we all have moments when being completely forthright can be challenging.

It doesn’t automatically make someone a bad person.

A little understanding can go a long way.

7) Overuse of qualifiers

Here’s the big one.

Qualifiers like “to be honest,” “frankly,” “truthfully,” and similar phrases are often overused when someone is trying to convince you – and themselves – of their honesty.

Ironically, the more someone insists they’re telling the truth, the more likely it is they’re not being entirely truthful.

So, if you notice an increase in these qualifiers during a conversation, it might be a sign that not everything is as it seems.

Keep in mind, though, that everyone has different communication styles and habits.

What might be a sign of insincerity in one person could just be a speech habit in another.

Always consider the full context before making any conclusions.

Wrapping up

Understanding these signs isn’t about playing detective or constantly doubting people.

It’s about enhancing our awareness and becoming more attuned to the non-verbal cues that often speak louder than words.

And yet, it’s crucial to approach this with empathy and understanding.

People can have off days, and feel anxious or nervous, without necessarily being deceitful.

So next time you spot these signs, take a pause. Reflect on the context, the person, and your relationship with them.

And most importantly, trust your gut.

Your intuition is a powerful tool – use it wisely.

Because at the end of the day, understanding body language can be a helpful tool in navigating this complex world of human relations.