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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Are you being lied to? 11 ways to find out

Man and woman holding hands, man's free hand has crossed index and middle fingers. If you’re a House fan you’ve heard this before: “Everybody lies.” From the outright scandalous lies foisted upon the unwary by the likes of  Bernie Madoff and Charles Ponzi, to the little fibs meant to prop up ones ego or keep the boat still, dissembling is an oft-used and experienced behavior.

Most of the time, people lie to avoid raising a fuss or for some personal benefit. Minor transgressions such as excusing your way out of a ticket or sidestepping the junk your wife is starting to pack in her trunk serves to keep the boat still. But there are moments when you need to know when you’re being lied to: anything financial for instance, or potential relationship-breakers.

Forbes’ “How To Sniff out a Liar” and its companion slideshow “11 Ways To Sniff Out A Liar” reveals things to look out for when you suspect you are being played. Body language, mannerisms, speech patterns are all potential clues that can indicate a con. Learn to recognize these red flags and you' just might avoid a lot of grief later.

Another benefit of knowing these signs is that it also comes in handy when the tables are turned. Not falling for tall stories are one thing, but when you next need to confabulate, knowing to avoid sending the wrong signals can help you sell your whopper to the unsuspecting. [Forbes via Lifehacker]

Ensha, Azadeh. “Catch Phrases That May Tip You Off to a Lie.” Lifehacker. Jul 29, 2009 <http://lifehacker.com/5324926/catch-phrases-that-may-tip-you-off-to-a-lie>

Lindner, Melanie. “How To Sniff Out A Liar.” Forbes.com. May 13, 2009 Jul. 29, 2009 <http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/13/lie-detector-madoff-entrepreneurs-sales-marketing-liar.html>

Buy "How to Spot a Liar" Buy "The Liar" Buy "Saving Face: How to Lie, Fake, and Maneuver Your Way Out of Life's Most Awkward Situations"

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