8 signs someone isn’t a very honest person, according to psychology

If you’ve ever been around someone who isn’t quite as honest as they should be, you know it can be a tricky situation to navigate.

This dishonesty can come in many forms, from little white lies to major deceptions, and it can leave you feeling confused and doubtful.

Now, being dishonest isn’t an official psychological diagnosis. It’s more of a character flaw.

But psychology can offer some insights into why people may not always tell the truth, and it can provide some signs to look out for.

This article will help you understand these signs better, so let’s dive in and get started.

1) Inconsistent stories

Ever had a conversation with someone and noticed their story doesn’t quite line up with what they said before?

This could be a sign that they aren’t being entirely truthful.

Inconsistency in their narrative is a classic psychological sign of dishonesty. They might change small details here and there, or they might completely alter the course of the story.

Now, remember, we all forget things from time to time. But if this happens often and the inconsistencies are significant, it could be a red flag.

The person might be making things up as they go along, trying to keep up with their own web of deceit. This can lead to confusion and doubt – you might start questioning your own memory or understanding of the situation.

So, if you notice someone’s stories are frequently inconsistent, take note. It could be a sign that they aren’t being completely honest with you.

2) Overuse of details

You might think someone who gives a lot of details is being open and honest, right? Surprisingly, this could actually be a sign of dishonesty.

When someone tells a lie, they often feel the need to make it believable. As a result, they might pack their stories with lots of unnecessary details.

They might go into extreme depth about the weather on that day, what they were wearing, or a random conversation they had.

It’s like they’re painting a vivid picture, but the purpose isn’t to entertain you. It’s to convince you.

While it’s normal to include some details in stories, an overload of them could be a tactic to distract you from the fact that they’re not telling the truth.

So next time someone goes into an excessive level of detail in their story, it might be worth questioning why.

3) Frequent touching of face and mouth

When someone is lying, they might touch their face or mouth more often than they usually do.

This is a subconscious reaction to the stress and discomfort of being dishonest.

The act of touching the face or mouth serves as a self-soothing behavior, a way to cope with the tension that comes from not telling the truth. It’s like a physical manifestation of the internal discomfort they’re feeling.

So if you notice someone frequently touching their face or mouth during a conversation, especially when discussing something specific, it could be an indication that .

4) Difficulty making eye contact

We’ve all had those days when it’s hard to look someone in the eye, especially when we’re feeling a bit down or shy.

But if someone persistently avoids eye contact when they’re speaking, it might be a sign they’re not telling the whole truth.

Eye contact can feel very intense and personal, and when someone is being dishonest, they might find it difficult to maintain.

It’s not that they’re bad people or that they enjoy lying. It’s quite the opposite! They might be so uncomfortable with their own dishonesty that they have trouble meeting your gaze.

Remember, it takes courage to be honest and everyone has their off days.

So if you notice this sign, approach the situation with care and understanding. It could be an opportunity for open conversation and growth.

5) Overemphasis on honesty

We’ve all come across someone who seems to constantly stress how honest they are. They might frequently use phrases like “to be honest” or “honestly speaking” in their conversations.

While it seems like they’re just emphasizing their sincerity, this could actually be a subconscious effort to convince you, and themselves, of their honesty.

It’s like they’re trying to compensate for the dishonesty by repeatedly asserting their truthfulness.

We might all have done this at some point, maybe when we were kids trying to convince our parents we didn’t eat that last cookie.

So if you notice someone overusing phrases about honesty, it might be a sign to dig a little deeper and question the truthfulness of their statements.

6) Quick to deflect

Ever had a conversation where someone quickly redirects the focus whenever they’re being questioned? This might be a subtle sign of dishonesty.

I recall a time when I asked a friend about a missing book. Instead of answering my question, she immediately changed the topic, asking about my weekend plans.

Deflection is a common tactic used when someone doesn’t want to face the truth or answer honestly. It’s their way of shifting the spotlight, hoping you’ll forget about your original question.

So if someone frequently changes the subject or deflects questions, it might indicate they’re not being entirely open with you.

7) Being overly defensive

When someone reacts defensively to simple questions or comments, it’s time to raise an eyebrow. It’s like you just asked them why they robbed a bank when you merely inquired about their day!

This overreaction often reveals a hidden truth they’re trying to protect. It’s as if their guilt is already accusing them before you do.

Remember, it’s not your job to tiptoe around someone who constantly plays the victim.

If they’re being overly defensive, it’s a fair bet that there’s something they’re not being honest about. Stand your ground and trust your instincts.

8) Trust your gut

At the end of the day, one of the most reliable signs of someone’s honesty is your own intuition.

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You might not be able to put your finger on it right away, but that gut feeling is often your subconscious picking up on subtle signs.

Maybe their body language seems off, or their words don’t quite match their actions. These small inconsistencies can trigger a sense of unease.

So while these psychological signs can guide you, never underestimate the power of your own instincts. They’re your personal lie detector and often know the truth before you consciously recognize it.

Final thoughts

Being in the presence of honesty is a breath of fresh air, and it’s a virtue we all value. But unfortunately, not everyone we meet will always be truthful.

This article has shed some light on the subtle signs of dishonesty. However, remember that these signs are not definitive proof. They are merely tools to help you navigate your relationships more effectively.

Being aware of these signs is important, but it’s equally crucial to approach each situation with understanding and compassion. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes.

In the end, it’s about fostering trust and openness in your interactions. After all, honesty isn’t just about telling the truth – it’s about being real with yourself and others.

Here’s to more honesty, more understanding, and more genuine connections in your life!