When you’re dating someone new, trust is everything—but how can you tell if he’s truly being honest with you?
Sometimes, words alone don’t reveal the whole story.
Subtle shifts in body language, like a quick glance away or an unusual stance, can tell you far more than what he’s actually saying.
As a relationship expert, I’ve helped countless women decode these unspoken signals, helping them see through mixed messages and vague responses.
In this article, we’ll uncover seven common body language signs that reveal when a man might be hiding something, even if he’s trying hard to keep it under wraps.
If you’re feeling that nagging doubt about his honesty, knowing what to look for can help you gain the clarity you need.
1) Inconsistent eye contact
Eye contact can tell you a lot about a person’s honesty.
It’s one of those subtle body language signs that often goes unnoticed, but can reveal volumes.
Typically, when a man is being honest with you, his eye contact will be steady and direct.
It reflects his confidence and sincerity.
But when he’s not being completely transparent, his eye contact might become inconsistent.
This could mean he’s avoiding eye contact altogether or he’s maintaining an unusually intense gaze.
Both extremes can indicate discomfort or an attempt to hide something.
Remember though, it’s not about jumping to conclusions.
It’s about observing patterns.
One instance of inconsistent eye contact doesn’t necessarily mean dishonesty.
But if it becomes a repeated behavior, it might be worth paying attention to.
2) Too much detail
You might think that a man giving lots of details about his day or a specific event is being open and honest.
But surprisingly, this could be a sign of dishonesty.
When someone is not being truthful, they might feel the need to overcompensate by providing too much information.
They may weave intricate stories with excessive detail, thinking that it will make their tale more believable.
This doesn’t mean that every time a man gets chatty, he’s hiding something.
Some people are naturally more detailed in their communication.
But if you notice an unusual increase in the level of detail and a sense of urgency in their storytelling, it could be a red flag.
3) Defensive body posture
One of the first things I talk about in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, is how our body language can reflect our mental state.
A man who isn’t being honest might unknowingly adopt a defensive body posture.
This could mean:
- Crossing his arms over his chest
- Leaning away from you
- Creating some sort of physical barrier between the two of you
It’s as if his body is trying to protect him from being found out.
It’s something I’ve seen time and time again in my work with couples.
It’s subtle but once you know what to look for, it can speak volumes about what’s really going on.
4) Frequent touching of the face
When a man isn’t being honest with you, he might frequently touch his face during the conversation.
It could be:
- A rub of the chin
- A scratch of the nose
- Covering his mouth with his hand
This behavior is often a subconscious reaction to discomfort or nervousness, triggered by the internal conflict of telling the truth versus concealing something.
I’ve seen this behavior in various scenarios throughout my career.
It’s as if the person is instinctively trying to “cover up” their dishonesty physically—almost as though their body is signaling the same thing their words aren’t.
This subtle but telling gesture is one of the many ways the body communicates when the mind feels uneasy about being fully transparent.
5) Fidgeting and restlessness
Over the years, I’ve come to observe that when a man isn’t being completely honest, he might become unusually fidgety or restless.
This could be:
- Constantly shifting in his chair
- Incessant leg tapping
- Repeatedly adjusting his clothing
These are all signs of discomfort and nervousness that can surface when someone isn’t being truthful.
I’ve seen it in my own personal experiences and in the experiences of the many people I’ve worked with.
The body truly does reveal what words often try to hide.
6) Unusual voice changes
If a man isn’t being completely honest with you, you might notice unusual changes in his voice.
It could be that his speech becomes faster, or his voice becomes higher.
These changes often occur because of the stress and discomfort associated with dishonesty.
In my own conversations and those I’ve observed professionally, voice changes can be a powerful indicator of someone’s sincerity or lack thereof.
However, as with all these signs, it’s essential to consider them within context and look for consistent patterns before drawing conclusions.
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7) Avoiding the subject
This last one might seem obvious, yet it’s surprising how often it goes unnoticed.
If a man isn’t being completely honest with you, he may repeatedly steer the conversation away from the subject at hand, especially when it becomes uncomfortable or too revealing.
It’s a raw and honest sign of discomfort or unwillingness to discuss something. He might:
- Change the topic abruptly
- Bring up something unrelated
- Make light of the situation to shift your focus
This diversion tactic is often used as a way to protect himself from revealing the truth.
This avoidance can be subtle and skillfully done, making it easy to miss, especially if you’re not attuned to the pattern.
But once you recognize it, it’s a clear indication that something deeper is at play—something he’s not ready to confront or share.
Connecting the dots
Recognizing subtle body language cues can be a powerful tool in understanding what’s truly going on beneath the surface in your relationship.
While words can be easily manipulated, body language is often harder to fake, and it can give you valuable insights into whether a man is being completely honest with you
If you notice these behaviors, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s lying about everything, but it’s a clear signal that something isn’t aligning with his words.
Trust your intuition, and consider having an open, honest conversation to get to the heart of the matter.
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