9 subtle signs of a dishonest and insincere man, according to psychology

Finding an honest and trustworthy partner can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

I’ve been there—caught up in the excitement of a new relationship, only to later question whether I really knew the person I was with.

It’s easy to get swept away by a charming smile or smooth talk, but when it comes to love, it’s essential to look beyond the surface and tune in to the subtle signs of insincerity.

In this article, I’ll share nine subtle signs that may indicate a man isn’t as honest as he seems, drawing from both psychology and my own experiences.

By recognizing these cues, you’ll be empowered to spot potential red flags and navigate the dating world with more confidence.

1) They’re champions of vague language

One way to spot an insincere man is by paying close attention to how he communicates. Those who habitually lie or manipulate tend to use unspecific and ambiguous language.

Why?

It’s simple. Vague language allows them to avoid commitment and responsibility for their words. It gives them an escape route, a way to wriggle out if they’re caught in a lie.

For instance, they might say something like “I might be able to do that” instead of giving a clear yes or no. They prefer to keep things fuzzy and open-ended, just in case they need a quick exit.

So, if you find yourself constantly frustrated by his lack of clarity, it could be a sign that he’s not being entirely honest with you.

2) Their stories keep changing

I once had an ex who seemed to have a new story every time we met.

One week, his childhood dog was a golden retriever named Max. The next week, it was a beagle named Spot. It was strange but, at first, I brushed it off as simple forgetfulness.

But as time went on, the inconsistencies added up and it became harder to ignore. His job history changed, his travel experiences morphed, and even his favorite food seemed to fluctuate.

What I learned from psychology is that this is a classic sign of dishonesty. When someone can’t keep their stories straight, it’s often because they’re making things up as they go along.

A dishonest person may think they’re being clever by creating elaborate tales, but inconsistencies are a dead giveaway. Always be wary of someone whose narrative seems to change with the wind.

3) They avoid direct eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful form of human interaction. It can convey sincerity, confidence, and honesty. But when someone has something to hide, they often struggle to maintain it.

Psychologists have found that people who are lying tend to avoid direct eye contact. It’s as though their guilt is reflected in their gaze, and they’d rather not reveal it.

Interestingly, prolonged eye contact can also be a sign of deception. Some insincere individuals overcompensate by maintaining intense eye contact, in an attempt to appear truthful.

Therefore, both avoiding eye contact and prolonged, intense eye contact could be signs of dishonesty.

4) They’re quick to deflect blame

Ever notice how some men can never accept responsibility for their mistakes? It’s always someone else’s fault or the situation was out of his control.

This could be a sign of dishonesty.

Psychologists suggest that insincere individuals often have a hard time owning up to their errors. Instead, they deflect blame onto others or external circumstances.

Why?

Because admitting mistakes requires honesty and vulnerability, traits that dishonest people often struggle with. So, if you notice a pattern of blame-shifting, it might be time to question their sincerity.

5) They’re often overly defensive

Another subtle sign of dishonesty is defensiveness.

When a man is being sincere and truthful, he doesn’t feel the need to go on the defensive when questioned or challenged. He’s comfortable with his truth and has no problem discussing it openly.

However, a dishonest man may react defensively, even to harmless questions or comments. He feels threatened because he knows his facade can crumble under scrutiny.

So if you notice him getting overly defensive for no apparent reason, it might be because he’s hiding something. It’s not about what you’re asking, it’s about what he’s trying to avoid revealing.

6) There’s a lack of emotional connection

One of the hardest things to face in any relationship is the realization that you’re not emotionally connected. It feels like you’re on two different wavelengths, and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to bridge the gap.

Dishonesty could be at the root of this problem.

When someone is insincere, they often struggle to form genuine emotional connections with others. They’re so caught up in their web of lies or manipulations that they don’t let their guard down to truly connect.

Emotional intimacy is built on trust and honesty. If these are lacking, it’s difficult to feel a strong bond.

7) They’re always on the move

In my early twenties, I dated someone who was seemingly always on the go. He was forever making plans, setting appointments, and generally filling every moment of his day with activities.

At first, I interpreted this as ambition, but I soon realized it was something more.

A person who is constantly on the move may be trying to outrun their guilt or dishonesty. By keeping busy, they can avoid introspection and the uncomfortable truths they may discover about themselves.

This constant busyness can also serve as a distraction for those around them, keeping them too preoccupied to notice inconsistencies or dishonest behaviors.

Looking back, I realize that was exactly what my partner was doing. His constant activity was a smokescreen for his insincerity. It took me a while to see through it, but once I did, the signs were clear.

8) They’re expert subject changers

Ever been in a conversation where the subject keeps changing at a dizzying pace?

It can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to dig a little deeper or address something important.

This could be more than just an annoying habit; it could be a sign of dishonesty. Insincere individuals often change the subject to avoid uncomfortable topics or questions that could expose their lies.

Whether it’s subtly steering the conversation or abruptly changing the topic, this tactic allows them to remain in control and keep their secrets hidden.

9) They break promises consistently

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. And one of the quickest ways to erode that trust is by breaking promises.

If a man is consistently not following through on his word, it’s a clear sign of dishonesty. He might make grand promises and sound sincere, but if his actions don’t match his words, it’s a red flag.

Actions always speak louder than words. If he’s constantly letting you down and breaking his promises, it’s time to question his sincerity.

This isn’t just about broken dates or unfulfilled plans. It’s about honesty, trust, and respect – the cornerstones of any meaningful relationship.

Final thoughts: It’s all about trust

Trust is not just a nice-to-have in relationships, it’s a must-have. It’s the glue that binds together any meaningful connection between two people.

As you navigate the dating scene, keeping an eye out for these subtle signs of dishonesty can really make a difference in your quest for a trustworthy partner.

Finding love is definitely a journey, and while it can be tricky, it should also bring you joy and excitement.

There are plenty of genuine, caring guys out there who align with what you want. By knowing what to watch for and setting your standards, you’ll be well on your way to building meaningful connections.

Here’s to discovering that special someone who’s as real and authentic as you are!