How to Tell If Someone Is Lying to You

Every wonder if someone is lying to you? Here are some things you watch for the next time you wish to tell if someone telling you lies.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• your eyes
• your mind

1. THE FACE. If they avoid eye contact. If facial expressions seem fake (e.g., the smile is there but it doesn't reach the eyes). If their eyes dart around and avoid looking into your eyes.

2. THEIR ACTIONS. If they touch/scratch their nose or behind their ear. If they place objects (coffee cup, book) between you and them. If they use their arms as a "shield" between you and them (e.g., arms crossed). If they relax noticeably if you change the subject.

3. THEIR WORDS. If they avoid answering questions or answer them indirectly. If they speak more monotone and mumbling. If they answer your question using your exact words (e.g., in reply to, "Did you take the cookie?" they answer: " No, I did not take the cookie," instead of "No, I didn't.")

Tips & Warnings

• While the appearance of one of these traits may not be enough to prove they're lying, look for combinations of traits.
• Trust your instinct...if they seem to you like they are lying, they probably are.
• Don't accuse anyone of lying unless you're absolutely sure...wait until your suspicions are strong.
• Some of these actions could be a person's natural habits, e.g., crossing arms. Watch to see if they look are acting strangely, or appear nervous and uncomfortable.
• Some people are really good liars...don't expect to find these tips work on everyone.

[ilietoyou]

on 9/26/2009 not very useful for some. As a practiced liar, o can basically pull off most, if not every lie i tell. Its more of turning yourself off to morallity. I have actually acheived a state were i can switch between having a coinsciouss and not haveing any morals. SO BEWARE of anyone like me. And i keep eye contact

[inapan]

on 8/31/2009 This stuffs are real. I've tried it.

[Melody]

on 12/22/2008 Ah - accurate even for toddlers ... especially the eye contact part!

[From-the-Heart]

on 12/21/2008 Tricky! Instincts work wonders for me as well. Good tips!

[miasavc]

on 12/19/2008 These indeed are signs when someone is lying to you. In short, they get very uncomfortable in your presence.