When it comes to detecting lies, people often focus on body language “tells,” or subtle physical and behavioral signs that reveal deception. For example, shrugging, lack of expression, a bored posture, and grooming behaviors such as playing with hair or pressing fingers to lips can give away a person who is lying.
The eyes: Someone who is lying might stare or look away at a crucial moment, says Glass — a possible sign they're moving their eyes around as they try to think about what to say next. The research conducted by Geiselman at UCLA corroborated this, finding that people sometimes look away briefly when lying.
Making sweeping statements: "I would never" or "I always." Using non-specific language, generalized phrases and sweeping statements are common tactics for liars, who are trying to avoid giving hard facts and information.
Liars tend to use exaggerated gestures with their hands after they speak instead of during or before a conversation. The liar's mind is working hard and doing too many things to make up a narrative, analyzing your reaction as to whether or not you believe them, and then adding to the story accordingly.
The direction of their eyes: A 2012 study published in Plos One debunked the myth people look to the left when lying. A study by the University of Michigan found when participants lied, they maintained eye contact 70% of the time.
Avoiding eye contact. Being vague, or offering few details. Body language that is contradictory (such as saying "no" but nodding their head up and down) Body language that is unusual (like fidgeting, rigidity, rubbing brow, playing with hair, or slouching)
Watch facial expressions When people are in the middle of a lie their facial expressions may show you. Look for flared nostrils, lip biting, rapid blinking or sweating. These changes in facial activity signify an increase in brain activity as a lie begins.
Liars don't only hide the truth; they hide their feelings, too. They lie to avoid facing the facts. Despite what people might think, good liars know how to listen. It gives them information they can use in the future.
“I am single” There can be instances where you find your partner, who you thought to be single, is actually in another relationship or is married! This lie can cause traumatic trust issues in a person.
A narcissistic liar is a person who lies to get what they want. They are often charming and persuasive. But their primary goal is always self-promotion. They want to present themselves in a certain light and believe they can get away with it.
"When a liar becomes hostile or defensive, he is attempting to turn the tables on you," says Glass. The liar will get hostile because he is angry that you've discovered his lies, which may result in a lot of pointing.
If you describe someone as sneaky, you disapprove of them because they do things secretly rather than openly. It is a sneaky and underhand way of doing business.
Most people say they lie to avoid causing negative feelings, sidestep conflict, and to escape hurting or insulting a partner.
People who lie pathologically often tell lies about things that don't matter, for no apparent reason. They may do it unconsciously and may not even realize they're lying in the moment, although they can often tell afterward.
According to mental health experts, many pathological and compulsive liars do believe the stories they're telling. They may have repeated their lies so often that they start to feel true. Pathological liars often live in a fantasy world they've constructed, in which their “truth” becomes reality.
Research indicates pathological lying can occur because of low self-esteem and a false sense of self. People who lie pathologically may want others to view them positively, making things up to make them look better. Their desire to create a false sense of self could indicate that they are unhappy with themselves.
Tarot card reader, Jeevika Sharna shares, “among all the Zodiac signs Aquarius, Gemini, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are counted in the category of filthy liars. They use lies as a tool to get things done in their way. These signs don't like when someone judges them or accuses them.