16 Ways to Tell If Your Partner is a Liar

Ever get that nagging feeling that your partner isn’t being completely honest? Maybe you’ve caught them doing something they later denied, or they claimed to do something you know never happened. Sure, everyone tells a little white lie now and then, but lying all the time is a huge issue. We all know that honesty is the foundation of any strong and lasting relationship. So, are you ready to uncover the truth? We have a few clever tips to help you spot even the smoothest liars and address the issue head-on. Keep reading so you know once and for all where your relationship stands.
Shifting Stories

If your partner’s stories frequently change or lack consistency, it can be a sign they are not being truthful. When someone lies, they often struggle to keep track of their previous statements, leading to inconsistencies. Pay attention to the details and see if they align each time the story is told; notice if they get defensive when you point out these discrepancies.
Evasive Eyes

One standard indicator of deceitful behavior is the act of purposefully avoiding making direct eye contact with others. People often feel guilty or anxious when they lie, making it difficult to maintain direct eye contact. It may be a red flag if your partner frequently looks away when discussing a topic. Their eyes may also dart around the room, indicating nervousness.
Detailed Description

When some people naturally offer thorough and specific details, an excessive level of detail can indicate that the story has been made up. Liars often add unnecessary details to make their story more believable; this overcompensation is frequently used to distract from the main issue. If your partner’s explanation seems overly elaborate, it could be a sign they are trying to cover something up.
Defensive Demeanor

When faced with suspicion, a person who values honesty and integrity will usually respond calmly and measuredly, providing reasoning to address any concerns. In contrast, a person lying might become defensive, hostile, or overly emotional; they may also try to blame you to deflect attention. If your partner reacts aggressively or with extreme emotion when questioned, it could indicate dishonesty.
Body Betrayal

Body language can tell much about a person’s honesty; if your partner’s words do not match their body language, it may be a sign they are lying. Look for signs such as fidgeting, crossing arms, or avoiding physical closeness, which can indicate discomfort or anxiety. These physical cues often betray their verbal statements and frequently give away their spoken words.
Speech Shifts

Pay attention to changes in your partner’s speech patterns; people who lie might start speaking faster, slower, or more nervously than usual. They may also experience speech disfluencies such as stuttering, repetition of words, or difficulty in finding the appropriate words. This change in their usual communication style can signify trying to fabricate a story.
Move Eyes

Remember that when someone avoids making eye contact or has shifting eyes, it can indicate potential dishonesty or discomfort. If your partner frequently looks up to the left (a common indication of trying to recall a memory) or their eyes dart around the room, it could indicate they are fabricating information. Avoiding direct eye contact can indicate that someone feels guilty or uncomfortable.
Question Dodging

People who lie frequently avoid giving straightforward answers to direct questions. If your partner dodges questions, changes the subject, or provides vague answers, they might hide something. Notice if they consistently steer conversations away from specific topics; this evasion can be a tactic to avoid revealing the truth.
Flattery Fails

When a person lies, they may try to divert attention from their dishonesty by excessively complimenting or flattering others, a practice known as overcompensation. If your partner suddenly becomes unusually complimentary or flattering, it could be an attempt to divert your attention. This abrupt change in demeanor could also serve as a means to conceal their genuine emotions.
Source Mismatch

If your partner’s account of events does not match up with information from other sources (friends, family, or documented evidence), it can be a sign of lying. Cross-referencing information from multiple sources can provide valuable insights and help you discern the accuracy and reliability of the information. Check if their stories align with what others are saying to identify discrepancies.
Behavioural Change

When an individual starts exhibiting new or unexpected behaviors, it could be a warning sign that they are being dishonest. If your partner starts acting differently without an apparent reason—such as becoming more secretive, distant, or anxious—it might be because they are hiding something. These sudden changes often signal underlying issues.
Gut Feeling

Finally, trust your intuition; if something feels off, it often is. If something doesn’t sit right with you, it’s usually for a good reason. Your intuition can signal that someone might be deceiving you; trusting your instincts can generally lead you to the truth. If you consistently feel uneasy or suspicious about your partner’s honesty, it’s worth addressing your concerns directly.
Repeating The Question

Sometimes, lying people tend to repeat the question you just ask them. They do so to get some extra time to think of how to deal with the situation, which lies to craft, and how to handle it all. For instance, let’s say you are starting to think your partner is cheating. If, to the question, “Where were you yesterday afternoon?” instead of giving a clear answer, they repeat, “Where was I?” chances are they are buying time.
Strict Chronology

Liers also tend to be strictly chronological. Just think about it. When you tell someone what happened yesterday night, you tend to go from the most important part to the least crucial. However, if you are telling a lie, you will most likely follow a strict chronological order because this is how we think that stories are told. This can be a subtle way to figure out whether your partner is being honest.
Words And Actions Don’t Align

Sometimes, people lie about their feelings. For instance, someone may deny feeling jealous because they are ashamed of their emotions. Others may pretend that everything is okay with their lives even when they feel miserable. In this case, it’s important to see whether words and actions align. For instance, if a partner asks you to wear something less sexy at dinner with your colleagues and then denies feeling jealous, you probably shouldn’t trust their words.
They Conveniently “Forget” Things

There is a difference between general forgetfulness and never remembering any detail at all. When someone claims they “don’t remember” things, it can be a subtle way to avoid telling the truth. It’s often a tactic used to dodge accountability while still giving the appearance of honesty. This can be especially frustrating in relationships because it leaves you questioning what’s real and what’s not. While forgetfulness is sometimes natural, repeated instances around important topics might be a red flag worth addressing.
Recognizing the signs of dishonesty in a relationship is crucial for maintaining trust and communication. Always remember that open and honest communication forms the bedrock of solid relationships and partnerships, and early addressing concerns can prevent more significant problems down the line. If you suspect your partner is not being truthful, approach the situation calmly and seek to understand the underlying reasons behind their behavior.