When They Lie — Common Facial Expressions Shown By Cheating Partners
Hey there, Steve here and welcome to this week’s private eye post where we’re going to take a look at some of the common facial expressions we see displayed by cheaters when they’re telling a lie to their partners.
Lying to your spouse (or partner) is different from telling lies to someone else because you are significantly emotionally invested in the relationship. And this is never truer than if you are lying about cheating on them.
Normally when people ask me to tell them ways they can spot if their wife or husband is lying about cheating on them, I tell them to use the clock and keep a journal. Cheaters have to make time for their flings, so this is one of the best ways to catch them out. Secondly, I tell them the top 4 signs of lying — none of which go into facial expressions.
And the reason I don’t advise people to look for facial expressions is that most people simply aren’t good at picking up the cues. It’s far easier to hear someone stalling for time to make up their lies, or watch them squirm in discomfort.
Nonetheless, there are a few facial expressions that are often displayed at times of high emotion which are easier to spot. It’s these I’m going to run through with you today.
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and may not apply to all situations — everyone is unique after all. For help with an individual situation, please contact us —the first call is free, and we may just be able to put your mind at rest!
#1 Blink Time
Lying usually requires more concentration than speaking from a position of truth. Making stuff up is essentially more difficult than recalling what actually happened. There’s research which suggests people blink LESS when they’re thinking harder. There’s a HUGE “but” here though… Anxiety can cause people to blink MORE — especially when they’re lying about some kind of transgression.
So, what does this mean?
Well, first of all you should note your subject’s standard blink rate. Then look for how it changes when you suspect they may be telling you a lie. It wouldn’t be unusual for them to move between periods of slower blinking (while they’re thinking) to more rapid blinking (as they lie and are feeling anxious.)
#2 Lips Gone
Liars really don’t like telling lies. It’s uncomfortable and feels “unnatural.” What lots of liars do is tell half-truths, or lie by omission. Lying by omission means holding back emotions or facts, and when people do that it’s not unusual for them to roll their lips back inside their mouth. Their lips can almost disappear when they do this. If you spot this in your partner, beware!
Another common mouth expression is the pursing of the lips. Often, when people are asked sensitive questions and they don’t want to engage in conversation there’s an instinctive reflex to purse the lips.
#3 Complexion Ghost
One of the easiest things to notice about someone’s face is their complexion. In times of emotional untruthfulness, the liar’s face might go as white as a ghost’s while they’re speaking with you. It’s the blood rushing out of the face and into their internal organs — part of the instinctive freeze, flight or fight response we’ve developed over thousands of years.
#4 Sweat And Dry
Another part of our instinctive response can trigger a sweat response. As well as under the arms, it’s not unusual to see liars sweat around their upper lip, forehead and chin. Part of this same response will also make the mouth and eyes feel dry. This means the person may blink more, lick or bite their lips, and swallow harder than usual.
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Until next week,
Steve.