If you notice these 10 subtle behaviors, you’re dealing with an untrustworthy person

We all interact with a myriad of personalities daily, but sometimes, we encounter individuals who aren’t as transparent as they seem.

Spotting an untrustworthy person isn’t always as easy as you might think. Sometimes, it’s not about the glaring red flags but more about subtle behaviors that can give away an untrustworthy person.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 10 of these subtle behaviors that might signal dishonesty. It will give you a better understanding of what to look out for and how to protect yourself from those who don’t have your best interests at heart.

If these ring true, it might be time to reconsider the level of trust you place in them.

1) They’re consistently inconsistent

One of the most telling signs of an untrustworthy person is their inconsistency.

It could be inconsistency in their stories, their actions, or their responses. One day they might be full of praise and admiration for you, and the next day, they might act completely indifferent as if your previous interaction never happened.

One minute they’re all smiles; the next, they’re giving you the cold shoulder. One day they might be full of praise and admiration for you, and the next day, they might act completely indifferent as if your previous interaction never happened.

This inconsistency often leaves you feeling confused and unsure about where you stand with them. It’s a manipulative tactic that keeps you off balance.

When dealing with such a person, it’s important to trust your instincts. If their inconsistency is causing you distress, it may be an indication that they’re not as trustworthy as they appear to be.

Spotting inconsistency requires patience and observation. It’s not always obvious at first glance, but over time, these inconsistent patterns start to emerge.

So keep an eye out for inconsistency. It could save you a lot of trouble down the line.

2) They’re overly charming

Most of us are drawn to people with charisma and charm. However, when someone is excessively charming, it can sometimes be a red flag.

This might seem counterintuitive, after all, who doesn’t enjoy being around a charming individual? But in some cases, this charm can be a façade, a tool used to gain trust and manipulate.

When someone is always ‘on,’ always charming, and always seems to say the right thing, it’s worth taking a step back. Genuine people have off days and moments of vulnerability, while untrustworthy people often use charm as a consistent method of distraction or deceit.

Remember, authenticity is more valuable than constant charm. Be wary of those who seem too good to be true—they often are.

3) They avoid eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful form of nonverbal communication. It can express interest, respect, and integrity. Conversely, it can also reveal deceit.

Untrustworthy individuals often avoid making eye contact, especially when they’re being deceptive. This avoidance could be a subconscious reaction to their discomfort with dishonesty or a deliberate attempt to conceal their insincerity.

However, it’s important not to jump to conclusions based solely on eye contact. Everyone can have moments of distraction or shyness. But if eye contact avoidance is coupled with other signs on this list, it might be a hint that you’re dealing with an untrustworthy person.

As with all these signs, context and consistency are key. Trust your gut when something feels off—it usually is for a reason.

4) They’re quick to blame others

One common trait among untrustworthy individuals is their tendency to point the finger at others. It’s rarely, if ever, their fault when something goes wrong.

They are often quick to blame others and rarely take responsibility for their actions. Instead of admitting their mistakes, they deflect and point fingers. This behavior not only reveals their inability to be accountable but also their manipulation tactics.

Interestingly, psychological studies have shown that people who are prone to blaming others often do so as a defense mechanism to protect their self-esteem. By attributing their failures or mistakes to someone else, they absolve themselves of any responsibility and maintain their positive self-image.

A trustworthy person takes responsibility for their actions and doesn’t resort to blame games. So, if you notice that someone is always quick to blame others, it could be a sign that they’re not as reliable as they’d like you to believe.

5) They rarely show genuine empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a trait that allows us to connect on a deeper level, to feel for others, and to show compassion. When we feel seen and understood by someone, it’s easier to trust them. 

An untrustworthy person, however, often struggles with showing genuine empathy. They may not show concern for your feelings or may dismiss your experiences. Or they might feign concern or interest, but their actions seldom match their words. 

Their responses might lack depth and sincerity, leaving you feeling unheard or insignificant. It’s a cold, isolating experience that can shatter trust.

This lack of empathy isn’t just about being emotionally distant; it’s often a sign of self-centeredness. People who can’t step outside their perspective to understand others’ feelings tend to prioritize their needs and desires above all else, which can lead to deceitful behavior.

Trust is built on understanding and connection. If someone consistently fails to show genuine empathy, it’s a warning sign that they may not be as trustworthy as they seem.

6) They’re always the victim

It’s natural to sympathize with someone who seems to have the world against them. However, if you notice a person who is always playing the victim, it might be time to take a closer look.

While it may seem like they’re just unlucky or misunderstood, perpetual victimhood can sometimes be a mask for manipulative behavior.

People who consistently portray themselves as victims are often trying to deflect blame and engender sympathy. It’s a way of sidestepping personal responsibility and manipulating others into overlooking their faults.

Remember, everyone faces adversity, but persistent victimhood can be a subtle sign of untrustworthiness. Trustworthy people acknowledge their part in situations and work towards solutions instead of perpetually bemoaning their circumstances.

7) They have a history of broken relationships

It’s said that our past often speaks volumes about our present, and this is especially true when it comes to relationships.

Untrustworthy people often have a history of broken relationships, be it personal or professional. They may speak ill of their past partners or colleagues, blaming them for what went wrong, without acknowledging their role in the rift.

This pattern of instability and lack of long-standing, healthy relationships can be a red flag. Trustworthy individuals typically have a collection of long-term relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.

Bear in mind, everyone has relationship troubles from time to time, but a continuous pattern might suggest the person struggles with trust and honesty.

8) They break promises

Trust is built on the foundation of kept promises. When someone consistently keeps their word, it strengthens our trust in them. But when someone frequently breaks their promises, it can seriously damage our perception of their trustworthiness.

Whether it’s a minor commitment like meeting for coffee or a major one like delivering a project on time, breaking promises is a clear sign of an untrustworthy person. They might have all sorts of reasons and excuses, but the bottom line is they failed to do what they said they would.

So, if you notice that someone has a habit of breaking promises, big or small, it’s a good indication that they might not be the most trustworthy individual. Be cautious and think twice before placing your trust in them.

9) They lie, even about small things

The biggest red flag of an untrustworthy person is a habit of lying. And it’s not just about big, significant lies. Often, it’s the small, seemingly insignificant lies that reveal their true character.

If someone can lie about small things, they can lie about big things too. These little lies chip away at their credibility and make it hard for you to trust anything they say.

So, if you catch someone in a lie, especially about something small and unnecessary, take note. This could be a sign that they’re not as trustworthy as they appear.

10) They’re secretive about their past

We all have parts of our past that we’d rather not talk about. But there’s a difference between being discreet and being secretive.

An untrustworthy person often seems to have something to hide. They might be vague about their history, gloss over details, or outright refuse to discuss certain topics. This kind of behavior can raise red flags about their honesty and trustworthiness.

Of course, it’s important to respect people’s privacy, but if someone is consistently secretive about their past, it might be a sign that they have something to hide. Proceed with caution when dealing with such individuals.

Ultimately, trust your instincts

Trust is a fundamental part of human relationships. Understanding the signs of an untrustworthy person is a crucial part of navigating our relationships, but it’s also important to remember that people are more than just the sum of their behaviors.

Each individual is shaped by a unique blend of experiences, influences, and personal characteristics.

When trying to determine whether someone is trustworthy or not, it’s essential to look at the complete picture. Pay attention to their actions over time. Are these behaviors consistent? Do they show remorse or attempt to change when they’ve done something wrong?

It’s equally vital to trust your instincts. Your intuition is a powerful tool, and it’s there for a reason. So, if your gut tells you that something is off about someone, it’s worth considering why that might be. 

Establishing trust requires time and patience. It involves understanding each other’s flaws and strengths and finding a common ground based on respect and honesty.

Recognizing the signs of an untrustworthy person can protect you from harm but remember that everyone deserves the chance to prove their integrity over time.

Remember, it’s not about judging or labeling others but about making informed decisions based on observations and instincts. Trust is a precious commodity – give it where it’s earned and deserved.