Different cultures have different norms with regards to eye contact. Western cultures usually consider it a sign of respect and engagement, while some Eastern cultures consider it rude. Certain disabilities, like ADHD and autism, can involve unusual baseline behavior. For example, perhaps your autistic friend usually fidgets and avoids eye contact. You ask her where she was last night, and she plays with her hair, looks at your feet, and says she was watching movies at home. Even though this behavior might signal lying in non-autistic people, it’s normal for her, so you can assume she’s telling the truth.
Be cautious about jumping to the conclusion that someone is lying when they look stressed. It’s possible that something else is bothering them.
Looking to your left (their right): Imagining something, or telling a lie Looking to your right (their left): Remembering something Thus, the person in the above image would be telling the truth.
Unusual gesturing, or lack thereof Looking away or checking the time Standing unusually still Big changes in tone, pace or pitch of voice Sweating Unusual fidgeting Breathing fast Touching the nose and covering the mouth (but be aware people can cover their mouth for many reasons) Rambling an unusual amount Swallowing often Body language that doesn’t match their words, like shaking their head no while they say yes Talking about themselves more than usual.
