How to tell if someone is lying to you

Sometimes you get a gut feeling someone is not being honest with you. Trying to find out can be challenging and sometimes messy. A report by the Independent UK, shares nine tips on how you can do some detective work by observing their behaviour.

Here are 9 ways to spot a liar:

1. Observe their posture:  Body language can be a powerful tool when trying to uncover the truth. People deceiving you will often try and close off their body like shrink, slouch and slump as a way of avoiding getting caught in a lie. Touching their face or rubbing their forehead is also a key sign.

2. Look into their eyes: A person trying to avoid eye contact is attempting to disengage with you. This is an indication they are being dishonest.

3. Watch their movement: People who lie try to give a give off an impression of calm by sitting still and keep their facial movements to a bare minimum.

4. Carefully listen to their story: Pay attention for inconsistencies in the details of their story. Question their slip-ups to get closer to the truth.

5. Look out for the lean: When the person being accused of lying leans away, that is an clue they are uncomfortable. Tuning their back to you and putting their hands on the side away from you are other indicators. Attempt to lean in closer to the person to see how their body language reacts. According to the report, a liar does not want to be in close quarters if they are misleading you.

6. Listen to their response: A person accused of lying can react in two ways. If their innocent, they may question you and be offended at the insinuation. While someone guilty will try hard to defend themselves.

7. Observe how they shake their head: If someone is responding 'yes' but their head is saying no, that is a possible signal their lying. This technique is often used by CIA officers, the report revealed.

8. Try to spot if their behaviour is different: Even though people lie differently, a change in someone's behaviour can be a key clue of a fib.

9. Believe in your gut feeling: Your gut feeling can trump a really good liar. They may say and do all the right things, but if you feel suspicious about something, it is best to try and have an open dialogue about whatever is bothering you.