One word that can indicate a person is lying

Detecting a lie can be easier than it seems. To do this, it is essential to pay attention to certain words in the answer.

American lawyer Jefferson Fisher, an expert in the field of legal debate, discussed an effective method for detecting deception. According to him, liars often use extreme formulations, such as “never” or “always.” These are terms, according to the lawyer, that serve as indicators of a lie. For example, if someone says, “I never do this,” it is worth considering the truthfulness of this statement.

Fisher gives an example of a situation where the respondent hears a question about texting while driving. If a person declares that they “never text” in such a situation, this may be far from the truth because, in real life, few people have ever adhered to this rule.

Another sign of deception is a quick reaction to the question. If the answer sounds instantly, this may indicate that the respondent has prepared his response in advance. The lawyer recommends asking questions slowly in such cases, as it can force the person to think and give a more honest answer.

A study conducted by the University of Twente found that lying can negatively affect not only relationships but also your well-being. Survey participants who lied at least once a day had lower self-esteem. Almost 22% admitted to lying for personal gain, 8% – to protect someone, while 69% assured that they had never told a lie. However, those who admitted to their deception felt much worse.

The next time you hear the words “I always” or “I never,” it’s better to ask another question. Remember: sincerity does not require big words.