We all deserve to be treated with respect in our relationships, especially in our romantic relationships. Frequently being dishonest with your partner is an easy way to make them feel untrusting, unappreciated, and disrespected. If you’re worried your partner isn’t being entirely truthful, we’ve got you covered. Here are 18 clear indicators of dishonesty in a relationship.
Sudden Changes in Communication Patterns
Communication is incredibly important in all relationships, ensuring both parties feel understood and respected. If your partner has suddenly or gradually reduced the quality of their communication or the amount of time they spend talking to you, this can be a sign that they are hiding something.
Unexplained Absences or Schedule Changes
As noted by Prevention, partners who are having affairs or doing other things behind their partners’ backs will often spend long periods of time away from home with little explanation. Their excuses may often seem strange and suspicious, such as sudden business trips or new hobbies that make little sense.
Changes in Financial Habits
Does it seem like your partner suddenly has a lot of unusual incoming or outgoing expenses? If so, it’s possible they may be hiding something. It’s important that partners are on the same page when it comes to their finances, so it is often dishonest and disrespectful to make large financial investments behind their backs.
Overly Defensive Behavior
According to Verywell Mind, when you offer a dishonest partner feedback or ask clarifying questions about their actions, they are likely to become defensive or aggressive. For example, they may accuse you of being jealous or distrusting, attacking you for your concerns.
Avoidance of Certain Topics or People
Does it seem like your partner has suddenly become more uncomfortable when certain people or topics are brought up? If so, this could be a sign that there is something about that person or subject they’re not telling you.
Increased Concern with Appearance
People who suddenly become more concerned with aspects of their appearance, such as their wardrobe or grooming habits, often do so because they have a new romantic interest in their life. If your partner suddenly seems more interested in improving their looks, you may want to have a conversation with them about why this is.
Password Secrecy and Device Guarding
It’s healthy to maintain a degree of privacy in relationships. However, if it seems like your partner is suddenly being more secretive about their passwords and devices, this could indicate that they are hiding something from you.
Inconsistencies in Stories or Details
People who are dishonest often have a hard time keeping track of all their lies. For this reason, you may notice strange inconsistencies in the stories or facts they are telling you. This can be especially concerning if they usually have a good memory when it comes to recalling stories and events.
Lack of Eye Contact
A lack of eye contact isn’t always a sign of dishonesty. However, if it seems like your partner usually has no problem maintaining eye contact except around certain topics, this can be a sign that there is something about the subject that they are not being honest about. According to Business Insider, staring at someone intensely without blinking can also be a sign of deception.
Overcompensation in Affection or Gifts
We all love getting gifts from our boyfriends or girlfriends. However, when your partner suddenly increases their affection or gives you many unexpected gifts for seemingly no reason, this can be a way for them to alleviate their guilt for something they are being dishonest about.
Withdrawal from Shared Activities
Shared hobbies and activities are great for couples to spend quality time together and connect. When one partner suddenly seems to lose interest in these activities or prioritizes other social events, this can be a sign of dishonesty or infidelity.
Uncharacteristic Jealousy or Accusations
People who cheat or overstep boundaries will sometimes project their dishonesty onto their partner, accusing them of lying or being unfaithful. If your partner suddenly seems to be questioning your loyalty or truthfulness for no clear reason, they may be being dishonest with you.
Sudden Interest in New Hobbies Without Inclusion
It’s healthy for everyone to pursue new hobbies or interests. However, when someone in a relationship suddenly becomes obsessed with a new interest but shows no desire for their partner to get involved, this can be a sign that they are hiding something and using the hobby as an excuse.
Excessive Privacy Around Certain Aspects of Life
It’s healthy for partners to hold on to their own privacy and independence in some aspects of life. However, if they seem to be needlessly secretive about certain people, hobbies, or things, this can indicate that they are worried you’ll discover something they’re hiding.
Frequent Use of Absolutes in Denials
Dishonest partners will often use absolutes in phrases such as “I will always” or “I would never” in an attempt to overcompensate for their dishonest behaviors. While not everyone who uses these phrases is being dishonest, you may want to consider whether more of their behaviors could indicate dishonesty.
Changes in Language or Speech Patterns
People who lie will often become more uncomfortable and nervous when they are saying something untruthful. As such, you may notice that they begin stammering, frequently pausing, speeding up, or slowing down their speech when talking about certain topics.
Physical Signs of Discomfort
A dishonest person’s nervousness about telling lies can also manifest through physical signs of discomfort. For example, they might start blinking rapidly, breathing more quickly or heavily, or touching their face more often.
Shift in Social Circle or Activities
There’s nothing wrong with a person in a relationship meeting new people and making new friends. However, if your partner has suddenly drastically altered their social circle or activities without helping you understand their reasoning, this can be a sign of dishonesty.
Read More: 18 American Phrases That Non-Americans Struggle to Understand
American expressions are a vital part of its culture, reflecting the nation’s history and values. However, these sayings can sometimes puzzle people from other countries because they often carry context, colloquialisms, and historical references that can lose their intended meaning when crossing borders. Let’s look at 18 of such American sayings.
18 American Phrases That Non-Americans Struggle to Understand
18 Reasons Why No One Is Interested in Working Anymore
The concept of traditional employment has taken a back seat in recent times with changes in economic and social factors, as well as individual preferences. Traditional jobs have also evolved, and many people don’t feel the need to take this route anymore. These are 18 reasons why no one is interested in working anymore.
18 Reasons Why No One Is Interested in Working Anymore
17 States Americans No Longer Want to Live In
America is constantly changing, and within it, so are its states. Some have new laws that residents don’t agree with, while others have increasing rates of unemployment or areas of extreme poverty. These aspects make it difficult for a person to stay in their home state. Here are 17 states that Americans are deciding to reconsider.
17 States Americans No Longer Want to Live In
17 Things That Are Sadly Disappearing From Everyday Life
Life in modern times seems to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Certain things we couldn’t live without a few years ago are rapidly becoming redundant. Let’s take a peek at 17 such victims of modernization and why they’re slowly but surely disappearing.
17 Things That Are Sadly Disappearing From Everyday Life
15 Ways To Tell If Someone Is Not a Good Person
While it’s important to avoid quick judgments, certain behaviors can be strong indicators of a person’s character. Here are 15 ways to discern if someone might be a bad influence or possess harmful traits.