How to Detect a Liar – Body Language Clues to Look For
Suspecting that someone you care about is lying to you is very difficult
. You want to believe them because you've already placed so much faith in them. Finding out that they were being dishonest would likely mean a change in the relationship or at the very least, broken trust issues. Understanding how to detect a liar is mainly about studying their body language. There are many clues in the way a person handles themselves that give insight into whether they are being honest or not.
Learning how to detect a liar starts with watching the eyes of the person who you suspect is being untruthful. Engage them in a conversation about the topic in question and then study their eyes. When a person is lying they tend to look every which way but directly at the person they are lying to. They'll avoid making direct eye contact because when they do they feel exposed and vulnerable. If they keep their eyes moving they're able to continue the lie without fear of being caught. It's a very subtle sign but one that you'll notice instantly when you two are having a discussion.
The way a person handles their hands during a conversation is also a good indicator of whether or not they are being honest with you. When a person is lying they'll subconsciously try and hide it by any means necessary. That is why often you'll notice a liar has their hands touching their face, typically near their mouth. What they don't realize is they are trying to subtly cover their mouth so the lie won't seem as obvious. Watch for this and if you notice the person you suspect is lying to you do it, you'll be that much closer to the truth.
The position of the body of a person who is lying is also very telling. When a person has nothing to hide they'll typically stand directly in front of you or if they are sitting next to you, they'll twist themselves so they're looking directly at you. A liar won't. Instead they'll ensure that their body is facing another direction. If someone is standing in front of you but they keep turning to look around the room or they stand just off center, that's a sign that they may be trying to hide something from you.
How to Detect a Liar Body Language Clues to Look For