If you notice these 5 subtle signs, you are probably dealing with a highly dishonest person

Let’s face it, sometimes people aren’t as honest as we’d like them to be. Spotting dishonesty, however, can be a real challenge.

However, there are subtle signs that can give away a person’s lack of honesty.

These aren’t glaring red flags that scream “liar!” but subtle hints that, once noticed, can help you figure out if you’re dealing with a highly dishonest person.

In my experience as a relationship expert, I’ve come across these signs time and time again. And I’m here to share this knowledge with you.

Let’s dive in.

1) Overly detailed stories

Now, this might sound a bit counterintuitive, but bear with me. Often, when people are being truthful, they keep things simple. The truth is easy to remember and doesn’t need embellishment.

But when someone is being dishonest?

That’s when things can get a little too colorful.

Dishonest people tend to weave overly detailed stories. They’ll give you information that seems unnecessary or just doesn’t fit into the bigger picture. They do this thinking it makes their lie more believable.

But for a keen observer, it can be a sign that something isn’t quite right.

This is well backed up by research. For instance, a study conducted by Harvard Researchers found that people who were lying tended to use more words than those who were telling the truth.

2) Inconsistent body language

In my years of studying and writing about relationships, I’ve learned that body language is a key indicator of a person’s true feelings and intentions.

When someone is being dishonest, their body language often tells a different story than their words.

For instance, they might be saying “yes” while shaking their head “no”. This is an example of what’s called non-congruent gestures, and experts agree that they are often giveaways. Basically, our body language most often tells the truths.

Watch out for these sorts of inconsistencies.

3) They swear more than average

One of the subtler signs of dishonesty is an increase in the use of swear words.

While you might assume that liars would avoid such language to appear more credible, research suggests the opposite. The study conducted by Harvard researchers also found that people who were lying tended to swear more than those who tell the truth.

Why does this happen?

Well, it may be because liars often feel a higher level of anxiety or tension when fabricating stories, and swearing can be an unconscious release of that stress.

Swear words also add emphasis, possibly making the liar believe that their point sounds more convincing or emotionally charged.

Just know that if someone is dropping more f-bombs than usual while explaining something, it could be a red flag that they’re trying too hard to sell you on their version of events.

4) They fidget

If you’ve ever noticed someone shifting uncomfortably or constantly adjusting their position during a conversation, you might be observing a classic sign of deception: fidgeting.

As noted by body language expert Dr. Lillian Glass rocking the body back and forth, cocking the head to the side, or shuffling the feet can all be signs that someone isn’t being entirely truthful.

Supporting this idea, research conducted by UCLA psychology professor R. Edward Geiselman found that dishonest individuals often display “grooming behaviors,” such as playing with their hair or adjusting their clothing, when they’re fabricating stories.

The takeaway?

If someone can’t seem to sit still, it might be worth paying closer attention to what they’re saying.

5) They avoid answering questions directly

Have you ever asked someone a direct question only to get a vague or evasive response?

This is another classic sign of dishonesty I’ve noticed over the years.

Dishonest people tend to avoid straight answers. They’ll deflect, change the subject, or as noted by Fraud Magazine, answer your question with another question. It’s all an attempt to avoid being pinned down and admitting the truth.

As Mark Twain once said, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” Dishonest people often struggle to keep their stories straight, and direct questions can expose their deception.

Remember to keep an eye out for these signs and trust your instincts.

Final Thoughts

Spotting dishonesty comes down to noticing the subtle cues most people overlook. Now that you’re armed with these signs, you’re better equipped to navigate tricky conversations.

But what do you think—have you noticed any of these behaviors in action?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more tips on mastering relationships, communication, and everything in between!