Whether you like it or not people lie to you. Most of the time it probably does not matter much because it concerns issues of little importance.

However being lied to becomes a big problem when it affects your relationship with your friends and family. Without even realizing it you could be trusting someone who is selective about the truth.

When it comes to matters of real importance, would it be valuable to be able to spot deception? Think of the fun you could have catching people in the act! Letīs take a look at three warning signs:

1 Unusual Voice Tone:

When someone you know makes a statement with emphasis using a different voice tone to normal. Pay attention! When someone lies there is often an effort to try too hard to be convincing and this will show up in their voice.

2 Exaggerated Eye Movements:

When you see someone lieing they will often be exaggerating their eye movements by either staring at you too much or by trying to appear casual as they look away. In both cases there will be a sense of exaggeration compared to how that person usually uses their eyes when talking to you.

3 Body Language Lacks Rhythm:

We all use our bodies on automatic when it comes to day to day living. You walk through the same rooms in your home each day without having to consciously plan your route, you open and close doors without even noticing, and you can even perform complex tasks like preparing food while you are on the phone.

All of these movements have a certain rhythm to them. However when someone is lieing to you it requires a lot of their attention to try to be natural. As a result their movements often appear stilted and awkward. For example, a simple task like making a cup of coffee could turn out to look like a highly complex activity due to slow and mechanical like movements.

Does this mean that anyone who speaks to you with an unusual voice tone and exaggerated eye movements while moving awkwardly, is lieing to you? No! The person could just be having a bad day. However if their behavior is out of the ordinary given your experience of how they usually are, then it is worth paying extra attention.

Ask some questions to double check the facts and be alert to any inconsistencies in what they are saying. Never be threatening though, ask in a relaxed friendly manner. Otherwise you risk creating an argument.

Above all else, pay close attention to *how* people speak not just what they say, and you will be well prepared to spot those moments when someone is not being completely truthful.