8 things only highly observant people notice about others, according to psychology
There’s a world of difference between just looking at people and really observing them.
Observation is more than just seeing; it’s about understanding and noticing things that others often overlook.
For highly observant individuals, these unnoticed details can reveal a lot about a person. These are the people who pick up on subtle cues, body language, and unspoken messages that most people miss.
This ability isn’t just about being nosy – it’s a skill that can provide insights into human nature and behavior. It’s a tool that can give you an edge in personal and professional relationships.
Below are the 8 things that only highly observant folks notice about others, as backed by psychology.
Table of Contents
1) Subtle changes in body language
Highly observant people are often attuned to the smallest shifts in body language.
Body language is a powerful communicator. It can reveal a lot about someone’s mood, thoughts, and intentions. And the observant ones among us know how to read these signs like an open book.
They notice when someone suddenly crosses their arms, starts tapping their foot, or avoids eye contact. These subtle changes can indicate discomfort, nervousness, or even deception.
More than just noticing, these individuals understand the significance of these movements and can often use them to gain insight into a person’s state of mind.
So next time you’re in a conversation, pay close attention to the other person’s body language. You might pick up on something you’ve never noticed before.
2) The way people treat service staff
As someone who’s always been observant, I’ve noticed that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat waiters, cashiers, or any service staff.
Once, I was out for lunch with a new acquaintance. On the surface, they seemed charming and friendly. But as soon as our waitress approached the table, their demeanor changed. They were dismissive, impatient and downright rude.
That was a real eye-opener for me. It showed me a side of their character that was hidden behind a well-maintained facade.
It’s these interactions – ones that many might overlook – that reveal true character. A kind and respectful person doesn’t switch off their kindness when dealing with service staff.
So, always keep an eye on how people treat those in service roles – it can be very telling.
3) Inconsistencies in behavior
Highly observant people have an uncanny ability to notice when someone’s actions don’t align with their words. This inconsistency can be a telltale sign of deceit or hidden intentions.
For instance, a person may profess to be environmentally conscious, but if they’re constantly leaving lights on or throwing recyclables in the trash, their actions contradict their words.
Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that humans are naturally poor lie detectors.
However, those who are more observant tend to be better at detecting deception. This is because they pick up on non-verbal cues and inconsistencies that others might miss.
If you want to get a better read on someone’s authenticity, pay attention to whether their actions match their words.
4) Emotional responses
Being highly observant isn’t just about noticing physical actions or behaviors. It also involves being attuned to the emotional responses of others.
Emotions can be complex and are often displayed in subtle ways. A slight change in tone of voice, a fleeting facial expression, or a certain look in the eyes can all give away what someone is feeling.
Observant people are skilled at picking up on these emotional cues. They can sense when someone’s excited, anxious, or trying to hide their true feelings, even if they’re trying to keep a poker face.
This ability to read emotions can help them understand and empathize with others on a deeper level. It’s like they have an in-built emotional radar, constantly scanning for signals that reveal how others are truly feeling.
5) The details in the environment
Highly observant people don’t just focus on other people, they also pay attention to their surroundings.
They might notice the way the light filters through a window, a piece of art on the wall, or even the background noise in a café. These details may seem trivial to some, but to an observant person, they add depth and texture to their understanding of a situation.
For instance, if they’re at someone’s home, they might pick up on family photos, book titles, or even the state of cleanliness. All these details can provide insights into a person’s lifestyle, interests, and values.
So it’s not just about observing people in isolation; it’s about seeing them in context of their environment. After all, every detail tells a story if you know how to read it.
6) Changes in communication patterns
I’ve always been a bit of a chatterbox, eager to engage in conversations and connect with others. But there was a time when I found myself withdrawing, my responses became shorter and my enthusiasm for conversation dwindled.
Looking back, I realize it was a tough period in my life. I was dealing with personal issues and, without intending to, my communication patterns changed.
Highly observant people pick up on these shifts. They notice when someone who is usually talkative becomes unusually quiet, or when a typically reserved person starts to open up more. These changes can often indicate a shift in emotions or circumstances.
It’s these nuances in communication patterns that can provide valuable insights into someone’s emotional wellbeing – insights that can help you understand and support them more effectively.
7) The specifics of what people choose to share
Highly observant people pay close attention to the details that others choose to share about themselves.
It’s not just about what they say, but also what they don’t say. The stories they tell, the experiences they talk about, even the way they describe others, can all provide valuable insights into their personality, values, and emotional state.
For instance, if someone constantly talks about their achievements, they might be seeking validation. Or if a person frequently shares stories about helping others, it could indicate a strong sense of empathy and altruism.
Observing these specifics can help you understand people on a deeper level and interact with them in a more meaningful way. It’s like piecing together a puzzle – each detail adds another piece to the picture of who they are.
8) Genuine versus forced smiles
Possibly one of the most revealing traits that highly observant people notice is the difference between a genuine smile and a forced one.
A genuine smile, also known as a Duchenne smile, named after Guillaume Duchenne who studied the physiology of facial expressions, involves not just the muscles around the mouth, but also the eyes. When a smile is genuine, it lights up the entire face and reaches the eyes, creating characteristic wrinkles around them.
On the other hand, a forced or fake smile typically only involves the muscles around the mouth. The eyes remain unchanged, lacking that spark of authentic joy.
This ability to distinguish between these two types of smiles can be an invaluable tool in understanding someone’s true feelings.
So next time you’re in a conversation, pay attention to the smiles. They might tell you more than words ever could.