There’s a stark difference between someone telling a white lie and a seasoned liar. It all boils down to patterns.
A seasoned liar is skilled in the art of deception, covering their tracks with the craftiness of a fox. They’ve made lying an everyday act, seamlessly blending it into their conversations.
Spotting these professional fibbers is no easy feat, but there are certain signs that can give them away. And folks who’ve been around the block know what to look out for, the tell-tale signs that someone’s spinning a web of lies.
Below are some pointers to help you pin down these seasoned liars.
And so, if you notice these 9 signs, chances are high you’re dealing with a seasoned liar. Dive in and arm yourself with the knowledge to separate fact from fiction.
1) They’re a master storyteller
In the world of deception, nothing is more powerful than a compelling story.
And seasoned liars know this all too well.
They’ve perfected the art of weaving intricate tales, full of colorful details and vivid accounts. Their stories seem so real, so persuasive, that it’s hard to believe they’re not true.
It’s like watching a movie unfold right before your eyes, except it’s all a work of fiction.
But the devil is in the details. The more elaborate the lie, the harder it is to maintain. And that’s where they often slip up.
When someone’s story sounds too good to be true – it probably is. Notice excessive detail? It could be a sign you’re dealing with a seasoned liar.
2) They’re unnaturally calm
Seasoned liars are often cool as cucumbers, even under pressure.
I remember once having a colleague who never seemed to break a sweat, no matter how stressful the situation. One day, a major project we were both working on hit a snag. We were facing a tight deadline, and things were looking grim.
Everyone on the team was anxious, except for him. He was as calm and composed as ever, assuring us that everything was under control.
Later, it turned out he had known about the problem all along but had chosen to hide it. He had lied to us, and his calmness was his shield.
Looking back, his unwavering tranquillity should have been a red flag. It’s not natural for someone to remain so composed when everything is going wrong.
3) They avoid direct answers
Seasoned liars are experts at dancing around the truth. They’re like magicians diverting your attention while they perform their trick.
When asked a straightforward question, they often respond with a vague or unrelated answer. This tactic is used to confuse you, making it more difficult for you to identify the lie.
For instance, did you know that when Richard Nixon was asked about his involvement in the Watergate scandal, he famously responded with “I’m not a crook” instead of directly addressing the allegations? It’s a classic example of avoiding direct answers, a technique often employed by seasoned liars.
4) They overcompensate with eye contact
We’ve all heard the saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul. And in truth, they can reveal a lot about a person’s honesty.
Seasoned liars know this, and they often try to overcompensate by maintaining intense eye contact. It’s their way of convincing you that they’re telling the truth.
But this overcompensation can feel unnatural and uncomfortable. It’s like they’re trying too hard to prove their innocence.
If you notice someone holding your gaze a little too intently, it might be a sign you’re dealing with a seasoned liar. Keep your senses sharp and trust your instincts.
5) They change their story frequently
Stories are like puzzles, where each piece fits together to create a complete picture. But when someone is lying, the pieces often don’t fit.
Seasoned liars have a habit of changing their stories. One day they might tell you one thing, and the next day, they’ll tell you something completely different.
It’s like they’re constantly editing the script of their reality, trying to keep up with their web of lies.
If you notice someone’s story keeps changing, it could be a sign that they’re not telling the truth. Keep an ear out for inconsistencies and stay alert to the signs.
6) They use your trust against you
Trust is a beautiful thing. It’s the foundation of any meaningful relationship, whether it’s with a friend, a family member, or a partner.
But seasoned liars can exploit this trust. They know that the more we trust someone, the less likely we are to question what they say.
It hurts to think that someone you care about would use your trust against you. But it’s important to remember that honesty is a two-way street.
7) They have an answer for everything
Think back to school, remember the kids who always had their hand up, ready with an answer? Sometimes, this can be a sign of a seasoned liar in the making.
I recall a friend from school who was always quick with an explanation, no matter what. Missed homework? There was a family emergency. Late for practice? The bus broke down. It never ended.
As I grew older and wiser, I realized that these weren’t just excuses – they were lies. My friend had an answer for everything because he was constantly covering up his tracks.
This lesson taught me that if someone seems to have all the answers all the time, it could be a sign they’re not being entirely honest. A little uncertainty is human; having all the answers is suspicious.
8) They cover their mouth while speaking
Body language is a powerful communicator. It can often tell us more about a person’s intentions than their words.
Seasoned liars are aware of this, but sometimes their body language betrays them. One common sign is covering their mouth while speaking, as if trying to hold back the lie.
This gesture is a subconscious attempt to suppress the deceptive words, almost like they’re trying to block the lie from escaping.
If you notice someone frequently covering their mouth when they talk, it could be a sign they’re not telling the truth. Actions often speak louder than words.
9) They’re always the victim
Seasoned liars have a knack for playing the victim. They portray themselves as the innocent party, always at the mercy of others’ actions.
This tactic is both manipulative and effective. By painting themselves as the victim, they divert attention from their own dishonesty.
If someone is always playing the victim and never seems to take responsibility for their actions, it could be a sign of a seasoned liar. Remember, honesty includes owning up to our mistakes, not just telling the truth.
Final thoughts: It’s about trust
American author and speaker, Stephen R. Covey once said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”
This statement holds true even when dealing with seasoned liars. The signs we’ve discussed may help you identify a potential liar, but it’s crucial not to lose faith in the power of trust.
Remember, suspicion breeds mistrust, while understanding fosters empathy. So as you navigate through your interactions, keep your eyes open for these signs, but also keep your heart open for trust.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all human, capable of both truth and deception. It’s our ability to trust and discern that makes all the difference.
