8 subtle body language cues that show someone is not being upfront with you, according to psychology

If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone and felt that something wasn’t quite right, you might be onto something. Subtle body language cues can often tell a different story from the words being spoken.

Being able to pick up on these cues can be a real game-changer, especially when it comes to figuring out whether someone is being upfront with you or not. It’s not about being paranoid, it’s about understanding human behaviour.

Just remember, reading body language is not an exact science and everyone is different. However, psychology does offer some general clues to look out for.

As a heads up, this isn’t about accusing people of dishonesty or creating distrust. It’s about increasing your awareness and understanding of non-verbal communication.

So, let’s dive into “8 subtle body language cues that show someone is not being upfront with you, according to psychology”.

1) Inconsistent eye contact

We’ve all heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul, right? Well, when it comes to deciphering whether someone is being upfront with you or not, eyes can indeed reveal a lot.

Inconsistent eye contact could be a sign that the person you’re chatting with isn’t being completely honest. If they’re avoiding your gaze or, on the flip side, making too much direct eye contact, it might be a sign they’re covering up the truth.

But let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. Keep in mind that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to eye contact. Some people naturally avoid it, while others maintain intense eye contact.

So, it’s crucial not to rely solely on this cue but rather view it in the context of other signals and behaviors.

By understanding these subtle cues, you’re not playing detective or trying to catch someone out. Instead, you’re simply becoming more attuned to people’s non-verbal communication and enhancing your interpersonal skills.

And remember, it’s always best to approach these cues with empathy and understanding rather than suspicion.

2) Excessive nodding

Nodding is usually perceived as a sign of agreement or understanding, right? Well, surprisingly, excessive nodding might actually indicate that someone isn’t being entirely upfront with you.

When people nod excessively or at inappropriate times during a conversation, they might be trying to convince you (or themselves) of something. It could be a way to overcompensate for their lack of honesty or an attempt to appear more agreeable and trustworthy.

However, just like with eye contact, it’s essential to remember that personal habits and cultural norms can influence body language. Some people naturally nod a lot when they’re engaged in a conversation, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re hiding something.

So while this body language cue might seem contradictory at first glance, it’s another piece of the puzzle in understanding the complex world of non-verbal communication.

3) Touching or covering their mouth

When someone is speaking to you and they frequently touch or cover their mouth, it could be a sign they’re not being totally open with you. This gesture might appear as if they’re trying to block dishonest words from being spoken, almost like a subconscious attempt to “shut off” the untruth.

This behaviour has its roots in early childhood when kids cover their mouths upon telling a lie. As adults, this action can evolve into a subtle, almost unnoticeable gesture.

However, always take into account the context and other factors before drawing conclusions. Some people may touch their face out of habit, nervousness, or even due to a skin condition. It’s one cue in a larger pattern of behavior that can signal whether someone is being upfront or not.

4) Pointing their feet away

In a conversation, if you notice someone’s feet are pointed away from you, it could indicate that they’re not being fully truthful. It’s as if their feet are preparing to take them out of the uncomfortable situation.

However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t automatically mean they’re deliberately deceiving you. They might be feeling nervous, uncomfortable, or even just in a rush. We all have moments when we’re not our most open selves, and that’s okay.

Understanding this cue is about fostering better communication, not passing judgment. So next time you notice this, instead of jumping to conclusions, try to make the person feel more at ease. It can make a world of difference in your conversation and relationship with them.

5) Fidgeting and restlessness

Have you ever felt so nervous that you couldn’t keep still? That’s what happens to some of us when we’re not being 100% honest. Fidgeting or showing signs of restlessness could be an indication that someone is holding something back.

This could manifest as foot-tapping, finger-drumming, or constantly shifting in their seat. It’s the body’s way of dealing with the stress of not being upfront.

But here’s the thing – we all fidget from time to time. It can be due to nervousness, excitement, or simply because we’ve been sitting in one spot for too long.

So while fidgeting can suggest someone isn’t being truthful, it should always be considered alongside other cues and the overall context of the situation.

6) Rapid blinking

Have you ever been in a nerve-racking situation where your blink rate suddenly increased? It happened to me during a job interview once. It turns out, this can be a subtle cue of someone not being entirely upfront.

Rapid blinking can be a reaction to stress – our body’s way of dealing with an uncomfortable situation. If someone starts blinking rapidly while they’re talking to you, it could mean that they’re feeling uneasy about what they’re saying.

But remember, rapid blinking can also be caused by factors like dry eyes or even certain medications. So as always, don’t rely on this one signal alone to draw conclusions about someone’s honesty. Consider the larger context and other body language cues too.

7) Overdoing details

When someone starts to overload you with unnecessary details, it can be a clear sign they’re not being upfront. They might be trying to convince you of their story by adding more information than needed, as if the surplus of details will make it more believable.

But here’s the reality check: honesty doesn’t need embellishment. Truth is straightforward and doesn’t require an overflow of specifics to back it up.

However, some people naturally speak in a very detailed manner, so this cue should be considered in the context of their regular conversation style. It’s important not to accuse someone based on this cue alone, but rather use it as a piece of the puzzle in discerning honesty.

8) Changes in voice pitch

The last subtle cue to pay attention to is changes in voice pitch. When someone is not being completely honest, their voice might unexpectedly go up or down. This could be due to the stress or nervousness associated with not telling the truth.

But here’s the most important thing to remember: None of these body language cues alone can tell you definitively if someone is being upfront or not. They should be considered together, along with other factors like the context of the conversation and the person’s usual behavior.

Understanding body language is about building better connections and communication, not about catching someone in a lie. Always approach these cues with empathy and understanding. It’s not about judgment, but about fostering openness and honesty in our interactions.

Wrapping up

Mastering the art of understanding body language is truly empowering. It helps us see beyond the spoken words, enhancing our communication skills and deepening our connections with others.

Remember, this article is not about becoming a human lie detector. It’s about becoming more aware of the unspoken signals we all send and receive in our daily interactions. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you to use this knowledge responsibly and empathetically.

Time spent learning to read and understand these subtle cues is never wasted. It’s an investment in better relationships, clearer communication, and a more authentic interaction with the world around us.

And remember, being truly adept at reading body language means having the wisdom not to rush to judgment based on these signals alone. It’s about gathering all the pieces of the puzzle before drawing a conclusion.

Here’s to more open, honest, and meaningful conversations!