I was always curious about being able to tell if someone was lying to me since I was young.

when I found out about subconscious things we do when we lie - like our body language and personal ticks - I really looked for those signs a lot in people I talked to.

It was like my own little game.

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I wasn't always right - not everyone acts the same way. These tips are more of a collection of general things that a lot of us can't help doing when we get nervous or frustrated - these traits have been scientifically tied to lying. 

This isn't anything new - just my take on an interesting science. If anyone is interested in sharing ways they can tell if someone is lying I can write a new article about how Steemians can spot a lie.

Anyway, let's get started.

Here's five ways you can spot if someone is lying to you - maybe.

1. They avoid eye contact

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People tend to wear shame on their faces - but the eyes are almost always a giveaway for dishonesty. 

Even when I think about maintaining eye contact while lying, I've been told it looks forced. I've noticed other people do it, too.

More often than not, someone will look down or break their gaze if you hold eye contact while asking a tough question.

Think of a dog when it knows it did something wrong:

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It's a natural instinct to do this. For a lot of us it just feels weird looking into someones eyes and lying.

Naturally, like all of the tips I'm going to write - this is a poker scenario.

Play the person, not the cards.

If you have a friend who is just naturally awkward or uncomfortable in public situations - it'll be really hard to get a good read on them at a bar or baseball game.

And then some people are just better liars.

2. Touching their face or hair

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A lot of people's subconscious needs to either hide and shy away from confrontation over a lie - or get defensive over getting called out for the lie.

Sort of like Fight or flight - except very, very subtle.

Touching your mouth is a very common indicator of lying. Almost like you're  subconsciously protecting your words.

3. The person doesn't get tripped up or delay on answers

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If I'm being questioned about a crime I didn't commit (and I'm calm). I probably won't be able to remember exactly what I did at 2:45 pm the day before. I also like to think I'd ask the officer for a second to think about my answer.

If you're lying to someone about something big - it's the only thing on your mind. Naturally you want to be prepared for when you're asked about it.

Some people tend to over prepare and have an answer the second you ask a question - almost like they were waiting for it.

The art of lying is hitting that happy medium between being dumbfounded, knowledgable and confident.

Don't worry if you can't master it - studies show sociopaths are the best liars.

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Even if you aren't looking for the signs, most people can naturally catch a lie - or at least catch that someone isn't acting normally.

You can find out if someone you don't know doesn't react normally fairly quickly too...

4. They change their demeanor when asked a certain question

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If you know someone well - you can tell when they're acting a little off. Some people get defensive - others evasive.

Let's say you're out somewhere and you're pretty confident a random guy just took a loose twenty dollar bill from your coat on a pile of other peoples jackets.

Chances are if he did and you walked up to him with a free beer and asked him what his name was and where he lived he would answer you at the normal pace he talks.

Some people naturally talk calm and confident and others are fast talkers who can't make eye contact anyway.

After talking a little while, you suddenly bring up how messy the coats on the pile are - he reacts by talking faster or suddenly not being interested in the conversation - you know to be suspicious.

5. They focus on one thing - or do one act repeatedly

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When i'm asking someone a touchy question and they:

• Stare or constantly fidget at a drink or food
• Won't stop texting or using a phone even though they weren't busy before
• Keep fixing or cleaning their glasses

I can't help but be less confident in their honesty.

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Our bodies constantly betray us and show how we're feeling at that time, sometimes we don't notice - but some other people can.

Thanks a lot for reading!

If you liked this, follow: 

- @roachmedia

Full sources: 

• Title picture
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-tell-if-someone-is-lying/
• http://sciencenetlinks.com/student-teacher-sheets/all-about-lying-honest/