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Step 1
Look for body language that might indicate someone is lying, such as not looking you in the eye when speaking to you, being fidgety, or acting nervous or uncomfortable.
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Step 2
Listen for inconsistencies in what the person tells you, such as different stories on different days, different time frames, mistakes in remembering details or mixing up details.
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Step 3
Notice if the person steadfastly resists answering any questions. Extreme defensiveness could mean that he or she is trying to hide something.
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Step 4
Notice if the person accuses you of lying or being deceitful when you really haven't been. This could reflect the other person's own underlying behavior, which he or she is projecting onto you rather than owning up to it.
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Step 5
Listen to your gut and intuition. You may just know someone is lying. If you are not sure, don't jump to conclusions. Try to get some evidence to back up your hunch.
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Step 6
Consider asking directly if the person has lied to you. Many people feel bad getting caught up in lies, and find it a relief to finally be honest.
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Step 7
Try to be understanding and listen to the person's reasons for lying. Was he trying not to hurt you? Was she afraid you would be angry, upset or disappointed?
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Step 8
Look at your possible role in having someone lie to you. Are you someone who gets so upset hearing the truth that others feel they can't be honest with you?
Comments
erikishere said
on 12/5/2009 Also, if you know the person you might be able to tell if he/she is lying by the tonality in his/her voice. Make sure to observe whether the tone in his/her voice coincides w/ that person's facial expressions. Determine whether or not the facial expressions appear forced or unusual.
crystallights said
on 10/5/2009 nice article, helped me much
dreamteller said
on 6/23/2009 Great tips, and you sucked me in when you quoted a line from True Romance.
d3lilley said
on 5/21/2009 Some good tips in their but you completely neglected the eye patterns of a liar. Eye patterns are the most pivotal thing to look at when your looking to see if someone is lying. The eye patterns of a liar can be found at www.humanliedetection.com or biffaloo.
mjanojan said
on 5/15/2009 I don't think this article is that helpful. I consider myself a pretty good lair, and i don't think this article would help anyone catch me ling. I practiced a few fibs in the mirror, and i found that the only thing that i can't control without it looking abnormal, in the direction of my eyes. For instance, I noticed i can't help but look right, or your left, when I'm trying to make something up... So i think that should have been defiantly mentioned.