Trust is a vital component of any relationship. But sometimes, people aren’t as reliable as they appear.
Psychology provides us with insights that help us identify the telltale signs of untrustworthiness. It’s all about spotting the subtle cues and understanding what they mean.
Here are nine signs that someone might not be as trustworthy as you think.
Remember, this isn’t about being paranoid – it’s about making informed judgments to protect your interests and relationships.
So let’s dive into these indicators, according to psychology, and learn how to read between the lines.
Trust is built on honesty and consistency, and one of the biggest red flags of an untrustworthy person is inconsistency in their stories.
Psychology tells us that people who frequently change details in their stories may be trying to deceive us.
The reason is simple: maintaining a lie over a long period is difficult. As time passes, it becomes harder to remember the false details, leading to inconsistencies.
When you notice that someone’s story keeps changing, it might be time to question their reliability. It’s not about being judgmental, but about protecting yourself from potential deceit.
Of course, it’s essential to remember that we all forget details sometimes. But if it becomes a pattern, it’s worth paying closer attention.
A consistent inconsistency could mean that the person isn’t as trustworthy as they seem.
Eye contact is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. It can convey sincerity, confidence, and trustworthiness. So when someone avoids eye contact, it might be a sign they’re trying to hide something.
Psychology suggests that when people lie or feel uncomfortable, they tend to avoid eye contact.
Now, this isn’t always the case – some people just aren’t comfortable with direct eye contact. But when coupled with other signs, it can point towards untrustworthiness.
I remember an experience with a former colleague who would rarely meet my eye during conversations. At first, I thought he was just shy.
But over time, I noticed that he had a habit of avoiding eye contact, especially when discussing work-related issues. Later, it turned out he was hiding some critical project failures.
We all appreciate a person who can deliver on their promises. It builds trust and demonstrates reliability. But when someone consistently over-promises and under-delivers, it can be a sign of untrustworthiness.
In psychology, this behavior is referred to as the “over-promising effect” where a person makes grand promises but fails to meet them.
It’s often a tactic used to gain immediate trust or approval, without considering the long-term consequences.
Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who over-promise are often viewed as less trustworthy than those who under-promise and over-deliver.
Taking responsibility for one’s actions is a sign of maturity and trustworthiness. However, some individuals have a habit of always shifting blame onto others.
According to psychology, this behavior is a form of defense mechanism known as projection.
Instead of acknowledging their own mistakes or shortcomings, these individuals deflect any blame onto others to protect their ego.
It’s a pattern that can quickly erode trust. If someone is never at fault and always points the finger at others, it might be a sign they’re not as trustworthy as they seem.
We all have aspects of our past that we’re not proud of or would rather not share. However, if someone is consistently secretive about their past, it could be a sign of untrustworthiness.
Psychology suggests that a person who is overly secretive or evasive about their past may be trying to hide something. This could range from past mistakes they’re not proud of to more serious issues like a history of deceitful behavior.
Of course, everyone deserves privacy and the right to their own past. But a consistent pattern of evasion and secrecy can be a red flag.
Trust is about feeling safe and secure in the knowledge that the other person has your best interests at heart. However, if someone uses your vulnerabilities against you, it can feel like a deep betrayal.
From a psychological perspective, exploiting someone’s vulnerabilities is a form of emotional manipulation. This behavior involves using someone’s fears, anxieties, or insecurities to control or dominate them.
It’s heartbreaking to realize that someone you trusted has been manipulating you in this way. It feels like a violation of the emotional bond you’ve shared.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a trait that’s essential for building trust in any relationship.
But when someone rarely shows empathy, it can feel like they’re disconnected from your experiences and emotions.
I remember a friend who, despite knowing about a personal crisis I was going through, never seemed to acknowledge or understand my feelings. It felt like my emotional struggles were invisible to them. As time went on, I realized that their lack of empathy was a sign they weren’t as trustworthy as I initially thought.
So, if someone consistently fails to show empathy, it might be a sign they’re not as trustworthy as they seem. Trustworthy people take the time to understand your feelings and experiences, providing support where they can.
Relationships can tell you a lot about a person’s character. If someone has a history of broken relationships, it might be a sign that they’re not as trustworthy as they seem.
According to psychology, patterns in our relationships can reflect our behavior and attitudes. If someone consistently has fallouts or ends relationships on bad terms, it might indicate issues with trust or reliability.
Everyone has a relationship that didn’t work out for one reason or another. But a consistent pattern of broken relationships could be a red flag.
It’s natural to feel sympathy for someone who has been wronged or is going through a hard time. But if someone consistently portrays themselves as the victim, it might be a sign they’re not as trustworthy as they seem.
Psychology suggests that chronic victimhood can be a form of manipulation. By painting themselves as the victim, these individuals can evade responsibility and manipulate others into feeling sympathy or guilt.
So if someone always seems to be the victim, no matter the situation, it could be a sign they’re not as trustworthy as they seem.
Trustworthy people take responsibility for their actions and don’t rely on playing the victim to manipulate others.
Trust is a fundamental aspect of human relationships. It’s a complex interplay of behavior, communication, and shared experiences.
Psychology provides us with fascinating insights into this complex human attribute. It helps us understand why we trust, how we trust, and what happens when that trust is broken.
These signs of untrustiveness are not definitive proof that someone is untrustworthy. They are, however, indicators that you should tread cautiously and look deeper into their actions and motives.
Remember, trust isn’t built overnight. It requires consistent behavior, honesty, and respect. So as you navigate your relationships, pay attention to these signs, but also remember the power of communication and understanding.
In the words of Ernest Hemingway, “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” But also remember to trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right. After all, protecting our emotional well-being is just as important as building and maintaining trust.
The post 9 signs a person is not as trustworthy as they seem, according to psychology appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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