People who are neither honest nor trustworthy usually display these 8 subtle behaviors

Trustworthiness and honesty are key traits you’d want in anyone, right? But let’s face it, not everyone fits that bill.

We often find ourselves dealing with people who lack these qualities; they’re neither honest nor trustworthy. They’re masters of disguise, appearing as charming as anyone else on the surface.

But here’s the thing: they usually display certain subtle behaviors. It’s like their actions are a giveaway to their true nature.

In this article, we’re going to delve into these behaviors. We’ll be listing 8 subtle signs that someone lacks honesty and trustworthiness. 

Let’s get started. 

1) They’re masters of deflection

Ever been in a conversation where you ask a simple question and get a completely irrelevant response? Welcome to the world of the untrustworthy.

People who are neither honest nor trustworthy often have a knack for deflecting questions. It’s like they’ve mastered the art of avoiding answering directly. And it’s not just about lying – it’s about sidestepping truth.

They’ll weave a web of words, leading you down a different path, away from the point you were trying to address. It’s their way of not lying outright but also not being honest at the same time.

And the thing is, they do it so subtly that you might not even realize it.

2) They’re always the victim

This one hits close to home. I had a friend who seemed to always find herself in the middle of some drama, and she was always the victim.

She would recount tales of her misfortunes, with her playing the innocent party, wronged by everyone around her. It took me a while to realize what was going on – she never owned up to her part in any of the situations.

People who lack honesty and trustworthiness often play the victim card. They shift the blame onto others, refusing to take responsibility for their actions. It’s a way of manipulating others’ sympathy and deflecting attention from their own wrongdoings.

But once you spot this behavior, it becomes a clear sign. If someone never takes accountability and always seems to be the victim, it might be time to question their honesty and trustworthiness.

3) They’re inconsistent

In the world of psychology, consistency is a big deal. It’s one of the key indicators of a person’s character. Individuals who are honest and trustworthy tend to be consistent in their words and actions. They mean what they say, and they say what they mean.

However, those lacking these qualities often show inconsistencies. Their stories may change over time, or their actions might not match their words. This is because it’s hard to keep track of lies and deceptions – the truth is always easier to remember.

Keep an eye out for inconsistencies. If someone’s narrative keeps changing or their behavior doesn’t align with their words, it could be a subtle sign they’re not as honest or trustworthy as you thought.

4) They’re quick to make promises

Ever encountered someone who’s always ready to promise the moon and stars, even when it seems impossible? That’s another subtle behavior common among individuals who lack honesty and trustworthiness.

They’re quick to make grand promises without any real intention of fulfilling them. This is a manipulative tactic used to win your trust and favor. But when the time comes to deliver, they usually come up short.

The thing is, it’s easy to get swept up in these lofty promises. But remember, actions speak louder than words. 

5) They lack empathy

One of the most heartbreaking things to realize is that not everyone shares the same capacity for empathy.

Individuals who lack honesty and trustworthiness often have a lower sense of empathy. They may struggle to understand or share the feelings of others. This can lead them to act selfishly, without considering the impact of their actions on those around them.

Empathy is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship – it’s what allows us to connect with others on a deep, emotional level. So, when someone shows a lack of empathy, it can be a subtle sign they may not be as honest or trustworthy as they appear.

Everyone deserves to be surrounded by people who truly understand and care about their feelings. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself if you feel someone lacks the empathy you deserve.

6) They’re often vague

In college, I had a roommate who was always vague about her plans. I’d ask her what time she was coming home, and she’d usually respond with something like, “Oh, not sure. Later.” Or I’d ask about her weekend plans, and it would always be, “Nothing much, just hanging out.”

I soon realized this vagueness was a cover for her dishonesty. She was avoiding being pinned down to any specific details because that would mean having to stick to them.

People lacking honesty and trustworthiness often resort to vagueness. It’s a way for them to keep their options open and avoid being held accountable for their words or actions.

7) They’re secretive

Another behavior to keep an eye out for is excessive secrecy. Now, everyone has a right to their privacy, but people who are neither honest nor trustworthy often take it to another level.

They’re hesitant to share basic information about their life, or they might change the subject abruptly when certain topics come up. It’s as though they have something to hide.

This secretive behavior often stems from fear of being exposed. They’re worried that the more you know, the more likely you are to uncover their deceit.

8) They lack genuine remorse

Perhaps the most telling sign of all is a lack of genuine remorse. People who are neither honest nor trustworthy often don’t feel true guilt or regret when they’ve done something wrong.

Instead of genuinely apologizing and making amends, they might make excuses or downplay their actions. Or, they might apologize but continue the same behavior, showing that their remorse was not sincere.

Genuine remorse is a sign of integrity. It shows that a person can acknowledge their mistakes and learn from them.