Untrustworthy people have a way of making others feel uneasy, even if you can’t pinpoint exactly why. Their behaviors often seem harmless at first, but over time, patterns emerge that reveal their true nature. Whether they manipulate conversations, twist the truth, or thrive on secrecy, these unsettling habits can slowly erode trust and create toxic relationships. Recognizing these warning signs early can help you avoid deception and protect yourself from emotional and psychological harm. If someone in your life exhibits these behaviors, it might be time to reconsider how much trust you place in them.
1. They Avoid Eye Contact at Crucial Moments
While some people are naturally shy, untrustworthy individuals take this to another level. They might avoid locking eyes when asked direct questions or when confronted about their behavior. It’s as if they fear that prolonged eye contact will expose their true intentions. This subtle yet unsettling habit can make interactions with them feel strangely off-putting.
2. They Are Overly Charming… at First
Untrustworthy people often use charm as a smokescreen. They know how to say the right things, compliment excessively, and make you feel special—until their real motives surface. Their charm feels rehearsed rather than genuine, making it seem like they’re manipulating rather than connecting. The moment they no longer need something from you, the charm vanishes.
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3. They Give You Half-Truths Instead of Full Lies
Rather than lying outright, they mix truth with deception, making it harder to catch them in a falsehood. They may tell you part of the story while leaving out key details that would change the entire meaning. This calculated deception is designed to mislead without making them look guilty. Over time, you’ll notice their stories always seem to have missing pieces.
4. They Gaslight to Make You Question Reality
Untrustworthy people love to manipulate others by making them doubt their own memories or perceptions. They’ll insist that things didn’t happen the way you remember or claim you’re overreacting when you express discomfort. This psychological trick leaves you feeling confused and questioning your own instincts—exactly what they want.
5. They’re Vague When Asked Direct Questions
Instead of giving straightforward answers, they talk in circles, offer non-committal responses, or change the subject entirely. This avoidance tactic helps them dodge accountability while making you feel like you never quite get a clear answer. If someone constantly sidesteps basic questions, there’s usually a reason they don’t want you to know the truth.
6. They Show Up Only When They Need Something
One of the most telling signs of an untrustworthy person is their inconsistency. They disappear when you need support but suddenly become attentive when they want a favor. These people treat relationships as transactional, using others as stepping stones rather than valuing genuine connections. If someone only reaches out when they need help, beware.
7. They Pretend to Forget Important Details
Forgetting minor things is normal, but untrustworthy people selectively “forget” anything that holds them accountable. They’ll claim not to remember promises, deadlines, or previous conversations, especially when it benefits them. This convenient memory loss is their way of avoiding responsibility while making you feel unreasonable for holding them to their word.
8. They Gossip About Everyone—Including You
If someone constantly talks behind others’ backs, there’s a high chance they’re doing the same to you. These people thrive on secrets and drama, often twisting the truth to stir conflict. They might pretend to be your ally, but rest assured, they’ll share your personal information the moment it serves them. If they badmouth everyone else, you’re not an exception.
9. They Fake Apologies Without Changing Behavior
Untrustworthy people are skilled at issuing empty apologies that sound sincere but lack any real intention to change. They might say, “I’m sorry you feel that way,” or “That wasn’t my intention,” without actually taking responsibility. The pattern repeats itself: they apologize, get forgiven, and then do the same thing again. Genuine remorse leads to change—if they don’t change, they never meant it.
10. They Are Uncomfortably Possessive of Their Phone
While privacy is normal, secretive behavior is a red flag. Untrustworthy people often guard their phones obsessively—flipping them face down, texting in secrecy, or taking calls in another room. This could signal that they’re hiding something, whether it’s dishonesty in relationships, shady dealings, or deceitful behavior. When someone treats their phone like a vault, there’s usually a reason.
11. They Mirror Your Opinions to Gain Your Trust
Untrustworthy people are chameleons, adjusting their views to match yours so you let your guard down. They’ll agree with everything you say, nod enthusiastically, and pretend to share your interests—until their true nature emerges. This calculated mimicry makes them seem likable at first but ultimately feels hollow and manipulative.
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12. They Always Have an Excuse for Their Behavior
Rather than taking responsibility, they’re full of justifications for why they acted dishonestly. Whether it’s blaming stress, other people, or circumstances beyond their control, they always manage to shift the focus away from themselves. No matter how many times they break trust, there’s always a reason—just never a good one.
13. They Subtly Undermine You in Conversations
Untrustworthy people often use passive-aggressive tactics to chip away at your confidence. They might phrase insults as jokes, make backhanded compliments, or dismiss your ideas with a condescending tone. Their goal isn’t just to be rude—it’s to make you doubt yourself while keeping their own hands clean.
14. They Play the Victim No Matter What Happens
Even when caught red-handed, these people twist the narrative to make themselves look like the real victim. They exaggerate hardships, claim they were “forced” into bad decisions, or guilt-trip others into excusing their actions. If someone always finds a way to be the one wronged—regardless of the situation—they’re likely manipulating the truth.
15. They Laugh Off Serious Situations to Avoid Accountability
Instead of owning up to mistakes, they use humor to deflect. If you call them out, they might laugh it off and say, “Relax, it’s not that deep,” or, “You’re too sensitive.” This tactic makes you feel like the unreasonable one for expecting honesty. A joke is one thing—dodging responsibility through humor is another.
16. They Keep You Guessing About Where You Stand
One of the most unsettling traits of an untrustworthy person is their inconsistency. One day, they act like your best friend, and the next, they’re distant or cold. This hot-and-cold behavior creates uncertainty, making you work harder for their approval while keeping them in control. If someone’s behavior feels like an emotional rollercoaster, it’s not an accident.
17. They Casually Cross Boundaries, Then Act Innocent
Untrustworthy people test limits by pushing boundaries in small ways—whether it’s borrowing things without asking, prying into personal matters, or making inappropriate comments. If called out, they act surprised and say, “I didn’t realize that was a big deal.” Over time, these minor infractions build up, making you feel uncomfortable without being able to pinpoint why.
18. They Are Masters of the Silent Treatment
Instead of resolving conflicts in a healthy way, they use silence as a weapon. If they don’t get their way or face confrontation, they withdraw communication, leaving you feeling isolated and guilty. This isn’t just avoidance—it’s a manipulation tactic designed to make you bend to their will.
19. They Exaggerate or Twist the Truth for Attention
Untrustworthy people love spinning stories that make them seem more interesting, victimized, or heroic. They exaggerate small details, twist facts, and sometimes outright fabricate events to get a reaction. The longer you know them, the more you realize their stories rarely add up—and that the truth is often much less dramatic.
20. They Seem to Enjoy Watching Others Fail
A particularly eerie habit is their fascination with other people’s misfortunes. They don’t just gossip about failures—they seem to revel in them. Whether it’s a friend’s breakup, a coworker’s mistake, or a family member’s bad luck, they show an unnatural level of enjoyment in seeing others struggle. If someone always seems a little too pleased when things go wrong for others, they’re not to be trusted.