People who are extremely difficult to read usually display these 7 subtle behaviors

Deciphering people can feel a lot like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Especially when we’re dealing with folks who have mastered the art of being cryptic.

You see, there are those individuals who are incredibly tough to read. Their actions, their words, their expressions – everything seems shrouded in mystery.

The tricky part? They often do it through subtle behaviors that can easily go unnoticed. And it can be frustrating when you’re trying to connect or understand them on a deeper level.

But hey, I’ve been observing such behavior for years in my line of work. And trust me, it’s not as daunting as it seems.

In this piece, we’ll delve into these subtle behaviors that make some people harder to read than a book written in an alien language. And hopefully, by the end of it, they won’t feel so alien after all. No manipulations, no games – just pure understanding.

So buckle up, dear reader. It’s about to get interesting.

1) They possess a poker face

We’ve all seen that individual in a room who remains unfazed, no matter what’s going on. Their face doesn’t betray a hint of what they’re thinking or feeling. This, my dear reader, is what we often refer to as a poker face.

Poker players cultivate this skill to keep their opponents guessing. But in everyday life, some people naturally possess this ability. It can be baffling when you’re trying to gauge their reactions or understand their emotional state.

The tricky part is that it’s not just about a lack of facial expression. It’s also about the subtlety of their emotions. They don’t wear their heart on their sleeve, making it hard to read their feelings at any given moment.

Here’s the thing – it’s not an attempt to deceive or confuse you. It’s simply how they are wired. Understanding this can help you navigate your interactions with them without feeling lost at sea.

2) They’re surprisingly open

Sounds contradictory, doesn’t it? But stay with me here.

They might share their perspectives or experiences without hesitation. Yet, despite this openness, they somehow remain an enigma.

Here’s why: the information they share generally doesn’t reveal their emotional state or personal motivations. They might freely discuss their opinions on a movie, for example, but steer clear of divulging how it made them feel on a deeper level.

So while they are sharing, they’re not necessarily sharing the parts of themselves that give away their thoughts or feelings. 

It’s like they give you pieces of a puzzle, but not the ones that help you see the full picture.

3) They’re masters of deflection

In my years of working with various individuals, I’ve observed that people who are difficult to read have an uncanny ability to deflect personal questions or conversations about their feelings. They’re incredibly good at shifting the spotlight from themselves onto others or onto a completely different topic.

You might ask them how their day was, and they’ll respond with a vague, “It was fine,” before quickly asking about your day. Or they might steer the conversation towards impersonal topics like current events or weather.

This deflection is a subtle way of maintaining their privacy while avoiding uncomfortable emotional territory. It’s an art form, really, and it can make understanding them quite a challenge.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeper into such behaviors and share strategies on how you can navigate these complex dynamics more effectively.

4) They’re comfortingly consistent

This consistency can sometimes be misinterpreted as being unemotional or unresponsive. However, it’s actually a way for them to maintain control over their environment and emotional state.

In my journey of understanding human behavior, I’ve found that this consistency can be a source of comfort for those around them. There’s a certain reassurance in knowing what to expect from someone, even if they’re hard to read.

This reminds me of a profound quote by Albert Einstein, “Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” This holds true when dealing with people who are difficult to read – their consistency can be your opportunity to understand them better.

5) They’re observant listeners

They have a knack for observing and absorbing information without revealing much about themselves.

During conversations, they tend to listen more than they speak. They ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in your thoughts and feelings. Yet, when it comes to sharing their own, they often remain elusive.

You might think that their reserved nature could make them seem distant or unapproachable.

But in fact, their attentive listening often makes others feel heard and valued. It’s an art they’ve mastered, keeping them enigmatic while also being engaging.

6) They have clear boundaries

They understand the importance of maintaining a certain distance, both emotionally and physically.

They tend not to overshare personal details or pry into others’ lives. This might make them seem aloof or detached, but in reality, it’s their way of respecting their own privacy and that of others.

As Maya Angelou once said, “Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.” These individuals live this philosophy daily, offering us a different perspective on how to maintain personal boundaries.

I’ve found that understanding and respecting these boundaries can play a significant role in fostering healthier relationships with these individuals.

For more insights and articles on understanding complex personalities, feel free to follow me on Facebook.

7) They avoid emotional displays

Let’s get real for a moment. It’s not that they don’t feel emotions, they just choose not to express them openly, especially in front of others.

They rarely lose their cool, seldom gush with enthusiasm, and hardly ever wear their heart on their sleeve. You won’t see them jumping with joy or sobbing in despair. Their emotional responses are far more nuanced and far more controlled.

To some, this might come across as them being cold or unfeeling. But it’s just their way of dealing with emotions – a way that may be different from ours but is equally valid.

This might make them hard to read, but it also makes them fascinatingly unique.

Understanding beyond the surface

These individuals, whether consciously or unconsciously, have developed ways to keep their emotions and motivations under wraps, making them an enigma in a world where oversharing has become the norm.

Just because someone is difficult to read doesn’t mean they’re impossible to understand. It’s about recognizing these behaviors, respecting their boundaries, and accepting that each individual communicates in their own unique way.

I hope this deep dive has been insightful. Understanding others is an ongoing process and takes patience, openness, and a willingness to see beyond the surface.

For more insights into human behavior and relationships, I highly recommend watching this video by Justin Brown on the illusion of happiness and why chasing it makes you miserable. It’s a thought-provoking piece that will make you reflect on your own pursuit of happiness.

Understanding others begins with understanding ourselves. So let’s continue this journey of discovery together.