How to Catch a Lie

Lying - such actually hurts people. Relationships. Especially one's self.

A recent psychological study reveals that it takes more mental or cognitive energy to lie than being truthful. It's so for one has to work harder to remember invented details than to recall real data.

"I can't remember," says Mario to his wife. Interestingly, his "claims of faulty memory" have become way too often. When it comes to personal matters, it's Mario's favorite excuse.

During session, when I asked him about details of transactions in his business, he could remember very well. His wife frowned.

Eventually, Mario's wife caught him, convinced that in reality, it's only the lies Mario was having trouble telling her.

Psychologist Jacqueline Evans of the University of Texas developed a set of "lie-detection guidelines" to read tell-tale cues of lying and even deception.

Here are some.

Missing Details: a liar skips many details or flourishes that are difficult to admit or construct

Corrections or Contradictions: a liar backtrack in retelling to cover up, so he has to heavily edit

Effortful Thinking: a liar seems unsure or putting a great deal of effort explaining

Nerves or Tension: it takes a great liar or psychopath to pull off falsehoods with a poker face

Unusually Slow Speed: a liar usually takes a bit longer responding to self-edit and trying to be consistent