10 Things People Say When They Are Lying To You and How to Spot Them Easily
You’ve probably encountered moments when someone’s words just don’t feel quite right. It can be tricky to figure out when someone is being honest or trying to hide the truth from you.
Learning to recognize common signs in what people say can help you spot when they might be lying.
I swear, I’m telling the truth.
When someone says, “I swear, I’m telling the truth,” it can be a sign they feel the need to convince you. Usually, this phrase is used when the speaker senses doubt or suspicion.
You should pay attention if they say this too often. It might mean they are trying too hard to persuade you, which could suggest they aren’t being honest.
At times, people use this to cover up a lie or distract from the real issue. Listen carefully to their tone and body language when they say it.
I was just about to call you.
When someone says, “I was just about to call you,” it can feel like they were thinking of you. But often, it’s a phrase used to cover up the fact they didn’t reach out first.
If you notice this line a lot, it might be a signal that the person isn’t being entirely honest about their timing. They may be trying to avoid admitting they forgot or chose not to contact you.
Pay attention to how often they say this. If it’s frequent, their words may be more about easing guilt than sharing the truth with you.
I don’t remember what happened.
When someone says, “I don’t remember what happened,” it can be a sign they are trying to avoid the truth. You might notice their memory conveniently slipping away only when details matter to you.
People often use this phrase to dodge responsibility or cover up something uncomfortable. If their story changes or if they forget key points, it could be a red flag.
Still, everyone forgets things sometimes. Pay attention to how often and when this excuse comes up, especially if it happens during important conversations with you.
Trust me, I would’ve told you.
When someone says this, they want you to believe they’re being honest and open. It’s a way to build trust quickly, but it can sometimes be a red flag.
They might be trying to convince you they’ve shared everything, even if they haven’t. If you notice hesitation or vagueness when they say this, it’s worth paying attention.
You should consider whether they have a reason to withhold information. People who lie often use phrases like this to make their story seem complete and truthful.
Everyone else was doing it.
When someone says, “Everyone else was doing it,” they might be trying to shift the blame away from themselves.
You could be hearing this because they want you to believe their actions were just part of a larger group behavior.
This phrase can be a way to avoid personal responsibility by suggesting they had no choice.
Watch for this line when you feel the excuse is trying to downplay their role in a situation.
It’s not what it looks like.
When someone says, “It’s not what it looks like,” they are often trying to prevent you from jumping to conclusions. They want to redirect your attention before you fully process what you see or hear.
This phrase usually signals that the person feels caught off guard. They may be trying to cover up the real story or delay giving a clear explanation.
If you hear this, it’s a good moment to stay calm and ask for more details. It helps you decide if there’s more to the situation or if you should be cautious.
I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.
When someone says, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed,” it can be a way to hide their true feelings. You might sense the tension behind their calm words.
This phrase often means they are upset but don’t want to show anger directly. It can feel like subtle pressure or guilt.
If you hear this, pay attention to their body language and tone. It might help you understand what they really feel.
I only had one drink.
When someone tells you they only had one drink, but their behavior seems off, it might not be true. People often downplay how much they’ve consumed to avoid judgment.
You might notice inconsistencies, like slurred speech or trouble focusing, that don’t match “just one drink.” It’s their way of trying to keep control of how others see them.
If you’re unsure, pay attention to body language or repeated claims. Often, the truth slips out in small details.
I was stuck in traffic.
When someone says, “I was stuck in traffic,” it can sound like a simple excuse. But if it happens often or doesn’t match the usual traffic patterns, you might want to listen more closely.
You can check the time and location to see if traffic delays were likely. If their story changes or lacks details, it might be a sign they’re not telling the full truth.
Sometimes, people use this phrase to avoid admitting they were somewhere else. Pay attention to how confidently they say it and if they seem uncomfortable.
I didn’t get your message.
When someone says, “I didn’t get your message,” it might be a way to avoid answering or reacting. You may notice this especially if they usually respond quickly.
This phrase can be an easy excuse to stall or change the topic. You might want to check with them directly if the message was clear or important.
If it happens often, it could be a red flag that they are not being fully honest with you. Keep an eye on their pattern of communication to decide how to respond.
