You have been burned far too many times and now find it hard to trust someone? The worst part about this is that it is always the closet ones, which is why it is so easy to overlook the signs of untrustworthy people.
Many of us tend to see the best in others, which often leads to disappointment. The more naive, open-hearted parts of us want to give people the benefit of the doubt, handing out trust like candy before they’ve earned it. When those same people betray that trust, it leaves us feeling confused and hurt, especially when they didn’t deserve the trust we gave them in the first place.
But just because you’ve been hurt before doesn’t mean you should stop trusting altogether. Instead, use those experiences as lessons to help you identify who you shouldn’t trust. If those lessons haven’t been enough, keep reading to learn the warning signs of an untrustworthy person without getting hurt once again.
7 Ways To Spot Untrustworthy People
1. They project their own insecurities onto others
Untrustworthy people project their own insecurities and mistrust onto you. This is known as paranoid projection. Essentially, if someone is constantly accusing you of being dishonest or sneaky, it might be a red flag that they’re the ones hiding something.
Often times, if someone is always worried that you’re cheating or lying, it may indicate their own guilt or lack of integrity. When someone is untrustworthy, their paranoia can make them assume the worst about others, making their accusations more about their own issues than about you.
2. They leave out important details from a conversation
One major sign of an untrustworthy person is when they start fudging the details. You might notice that their stories often change, and important facts seem to get twisted or left out. If someone tells you about a situation and later tells a different version, it can make you wonder what the truth really is. These inconsistencies can make it tough to know if they’re being genuine or just trying to manipulate the story to their advantage.
If you’re picking up on these patterns, it’s a good indicator that this person may not be safe to trust. Trust is built on honesty, and if the details don’t add up, it’s worth considering if this person is really trustworthy.
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3. They are different around others
One of the most telling signs of an untrustworthy person is when they display two-faced behavior. You might notice that they act one way around you but completely change when they’re with others. For instance, they might agree with you in private but criticize you when chatting with someone else. This inconsistency can make you feel uneasy and is a clear indicator that they might not have your best interests at heart. If you catch someone flip-flopping between different personalities, it’s a red flag that they could be untrustworthy.
You should also consider how they speak about others when they’re not around. If they frequently gossip or speak poorly of their friends and acquaintances, it’s a sign that they might do the same to you when you’re not present. A true friend will lift you up, not tear others down.
4. They do not acknowledge or accept their mistakes
Another trait of untrustworthy people is their tendency to play the blame game. Instead of reflecting on their actions, they quickly point fingers at others. When someone consistently blames others or makes excuses instead of taking responsibility, it’s a major red flag. This behavior can make you question their honesty and integrity. If they can’t own up to their faults, how can you trust them to be truthful in other situations?
People who are untrustworthy often seem to think that admitting a mistake will make them look weak or incompetent. However, everyone makes errors from time to time, and owning up to them shows maturity and honesty. If you notice someone always dodging accountability, it’s a strong indication that they might not be someone you can rely on.
5. They have a habit of lying
When it comes to spotting untrustworthy people, one of the biggest clues is their patterns of dishonesty. If someone frequently twists the truth, avoids giving straight answers, or is caught in lies over and over, it’s a major red flag. These patterns suggest that their untrustworthy behavior isn’t a one-time mistake but a habitual trait. When someone consistently manipulates the facts or dodges questions, it’s a strong indicator that they’re not safe to trust.
Untrustworthy people often get caught in their web of lies, but they might just brush it off as a joke or downplay it, which is another red flag. If they consistently bend the truth, it’s a good idea to take a step back and reconsider if this is someone you can trust.
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6. They hide a lot ‘big’ secrets from you
Another telltale sign of an untrustworthy person is their evasive behavior. If you notice they frequently change the subject or avoid answering direct questions, it can make you feel uneasy. Evasiveness often stems from a desire to conceal the truth, and this lack of transparency can be a significant warning sign.
Trust is built on transparency, so if someone is keeping big secrets from you, it’s a sign that they might not be someone you can rely on. It’s essential to be aware of these behaviors, as they can lead to misunderstandings and betrayal later on.
7. They have a narcissistic flair to their personality
You know the type—smooth talkers who seem to light up a room and draw people in with their confidence. At first, this can be quite alluring. They may be charismatic, charming, and very good at making you feel special. However, this charm can be deceiving. While it might seem like they have your best interests at heart, their focus is often more on themselves than on anyone else.
Narcissistic individuals tend to manipulate situations to get what they want, which is a classic trait of an untrustworthy person. They might use flattery or gifts to win your trust, but their motivations are usually self-serving. If you find that someone frequently seeks attention or validation and tends to dominate conversations, it’s a red flag.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to watch out for toxic behaviors before you trust someone with your feelings. It can be hard to realize that someone you care about might not have your best interests in mind, but recognizing these warning signs helps you make better choices. Trust is essential for any strong relationship, and when that trust is broken, it can lead to hurt and disappointment. So, it’s okay to distance yourself from people who aren’t good for you and focus on surrounding yourself with those who lift you up and support you.
Read More: 15 Reasons Narcissists and Sociopaths Lie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What should I do if I suspect someone is untrustworthy?
Trust your instincts and take a step back. Observe their behavior over time, communicate your concerns, and consider limiting your interactions with them if necessary.
Can untrustworthy behavior be unintentional?
Yes, some people may not realize they are being dishonest or manipulative due to their upbringing or past experiences. However, patterns of behavior are usually more telling than one-off incidents.
How can I protect myself from being deceived by an untrustworthy person?
Educate yourself on the traits of untrustworthy individuals, build relationships with reliable people, and trust your instincts. Verify information through multiple sources to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of being misled.
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