7 ways to identify a liar

When we talk about lying, we usually think about other people, but, in fact, it is difficult to find a human being who has never used this resource, whether to avoid hurting someone, to avoid some type of social embarrassment or even to hide characteristics that we consider inappropriate.

Likewise, it is also easy to remember people who have a habit of lying, both in our family and in our circle of friends.

Liars always tell stories of relationships with wonderful people, post photos of “perfect” moments on social media and justify missing appointments with parents, children and colleagues.

But there is a critical point, when the occasional lie, with a contextual purpose, even though you know it is causing harm to others.

This is the moment when “we compromise the situation of good interpersonal coexistence and we can enter a delicate line of personality disorders and disorders”, explains psychiatrist Alfredo Maluf in an interview with Agência Einstein.

7 signs that compulsive liars try to hide

However, this pathological lying, also known as mythomania or pseudologia fantastica (compulsive lying), does not exempt the liar from responsibility for his actions.

In the same way that an antisocial personality disorder does not absolve anyone of their criminal responsibility, the existence of a pathological component in compulsive lying does not justify or excuse the behavior.

Therefore, when interacting with a liar is unavoidable, we must be aware of some characteristics of these smart people that could give them away, and that they always try to hide. Check it out:

1. They tend to divert attention from themselves, trying to focus more on others, to distance themselves from the lie. Like: I’ve never seen this person in my life.
2. When trying to present a coherent narrative, even if invented, they often present contradictions or gaps in their speeches.
3. This may happen because, although our minds are incapable of constructing complex lies, liars tend to use long, confusing sentences to “fill” the lie.
4. Because they are afraid to report a discrepancy between verbal content and nonverbal language, their facial expressions and emotional tone often do not match what they are saying.
5. This is also reflected in signs of nervousness, such as excessive movements, changes in posture or gestures that sometimes suggest discomfort or insecurity.
6. As you know that a lack of eye contact is associated with lying, many liars try (even too hard) to focus on their victim’s face.
7. Changes in speech patterns can also give away a liar. Therefore, many investigators begin their interrogations with basic questions (name, age), before getting to the key questions.

Even with all these signs, . Liars can specialize in this “art”, sometimes simulating physical symptoms or mental illnesses, such as psychotic episodes. And even present exams and medical certificates (false of course).