How many of you have lied before? Probably each one of us. While the occasional white lie here and there isn't too terrible, becoming a frequent liar is a clear and distinct line that should never be crossed. Even if it's not their intention, liars destroy trust and won't ever be able to maintain a healthy relationship for long.
You can catch a liar in their tracks by being aware of typical characteristics liars have. Here are 10 things all liars have in common that you should watch out for:
1. Liars are insecure
Spreading lies and rumors might be a way for them to connect with others and feel better about themselves. Frequent liars also might lie about their characteristics to boost their suffering ego.
2. Liars are controlling
One of the reasons people lie is to control how someone else feels. By making up something or stretching the truth, liars can manipulate how their listeners will react, especially if they know their audience well.
3. Liars hide their feelings
Liars don’t only hide the truth; they hide their feelings, too. They lie to avoid facing the facts.
4. Liars are good listeners
Despite what people might think, good liars know how to listen. It gives them information they can use in the future. They’ll know what lies you’ll be likely to believe. And by studying you, they will know exactly what to say to manipulate your actions and emotions.
5. Liars are charismatic
Liars smile, nod, lean forward and make eye contact while listening — characteristics that are often associated with honest and friendly people. Don’t be fooled by this; their charm is just a cover.
6. Liars think fast
“Ums” and “uhs” are dead giveaways of a lie, so frequent liars have learned how to think fast. Liars are good at being on their toes to avoid being caught in a fib.
7. Liars blame others
It’s easy to take the attention off themselves when they can blame someone else. To help you figure out what's true, always make sure you go directly to the source for information rather than believing every rumor you hear.
8. Liars have a good memory
Good liars can remember the tiniest of details to keep themselves from contradicting their previous lies.
9. Liars withhold information
The less they talk, the fewer lies they have to remember. Even though good liars can remember small details, they know it’s best to avoid getting tangled up in too much information. Liars will also purposefully leave details out of their fabricated stories as a way to manipulate you. Remember: not telling the whole truth is still considered lying.
10. Liars are hurting inside
Before you lash out and accuse someone for lying, think about why they might be lying. Could they be covering up pain? Are they trying to avoid a negative consequence? Are they trying to spare themselves embarrassment? They could be hurting inside, and their lies just might be a cry for help.
If you suspect a close friend or loved one is regularly lying to you, talk to them about it. Try to help them get to the root of the issue before it gets out of hand. When you make yourself a loving source they can confide in, you can help break their nasty habit and build trust in your relationship.
Shaelynn Miller, FamilyShare
Shaelynn Miller is a journalist who has a passion for photography, video production and writing. Contact her at smiller@deseretdigital.com.
The article you provided delves into the behaviors and characteristics commonly associated with individuals who frequently lie. It's a comprehensive list that outlines key traits observed in habitual liars. Let's break down each concept mentioned in the article:
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Insecurity: Lying can sometimes stem from a need to bolster one's self-image or to seek validation. Individuals who feel insecure may resort to lying to appear more favorable or competent.
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Control: Lying can be a means of controlling situations or how others perceive them. It's a way to manipulate reactions or emotions, shaping the narrative to their advantage.
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Hiding Feelings: Liars not only hide the truth but also conceal their emotions. They might lie to avoid facing uncomfortable realities or to prevent others from seeing their vulnerability.
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Good Listening Skills: Skilled liars are often adept listeners. They use information gathered to tailor their lies effectively, understanding what might be believable to their audience.
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Charisma: Liars can display charming behaviors like smiling, nodding, and making eye contact to appear trustworthy. This charisma serves as a facade to mask their deceit.
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Quick Thinking: Frequent liars have honed their ability to think fast to avoid obvious signs of lying like hesitations or stammers, ensuring a smoother delivery of falsehoods.
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Blaming Others: A common tactic among liars is deflecting blame onto others, shifting attention away from themselves and onto a convenient scapegoat.
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Good Memory: Effective liars possess strong memory skills to maintain consistency in their lies, remembering intricate details to prevent contradictions.
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Withholding Information: By strategically withholding details, liars can manipulate information to suit their narrative, minimizing the risk of being caught in inconsistencies.
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Internal Struggles: Behind the lies, there might be deeper emotional issues or pain driving the behavior. Understanding this can help address the root cause rather than just focusing on the lies themselves.
Recognizing these traits can aid in identifying habitual liars, but it's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Instead of immediately accusing someone of lying, it might be helpful to communicate openly and supportively to address any underlying issues causing the dishonesty. Shaelynn Miller, the journalist behind this article, touches on the importance of addressing these concerns within relationships to rebuild trust and help individuals break free from this destructive habit.
