12 Ways to Know If Someone Is Hiding Their True Feelings
Sometimes, we hesitate to express ourselves in front of others, especially when dealing with guilt or love. But no matter how hard we try to hide our feelings, our actions and behaviors subconsciously reveal what we’re trying to hide. So, if you’re trying to figure out someone’s true feelings or are wondering if they’re being honest, then here are a couple of indicators.
They Avoid Direct Eye Contact
When we’re avoiding someone’s eyes, it usually means we’re hiding something from them or are too embarrassed. Avoiding eye contact doesn’t necessarily mean we’re not being honest. It usually implies we don’t want to enter a conversation that we might not be able to handle. If someone avoids your eyes, they’re hesitant to converse with you.
They Frequently Change The Subject
Speaking of conversation, if you’re trying to talk about a subject and notice someone actively trying to change it, it means they’re uncomfortable with whatever you’re trying to approach. This might be because they don’t want to address the topic. After all, it makes them uncomfortable or shy. It could also be because they don’t want to admit something they’re hiding.
They Overreact To Minor Situations
When people hide their feelings, they suspect everyone is trying to pry into their affairs. This leads them to overreact to even the most minor situations. They’ll think you’re trying to accuse or pry the truth out of them, making them panic. If someone is overreacting even at the smallest thing, it’s your sign that they’re hiding their true feelings.
Their Body Language Contradicts Their Words
A person’s body language is a dead giveaway to their feelings. If someone shifts frequently, changes their posture repeatedly, and generally seems physically uncomfortable, it means they’re hiding something and are afraid of being figured out. This is especially true if they’re trying to cover their feelings and don’t want to be embarrassed.
They Offer Short, Generic Responses
Sometimes, people withdraw themselves from situations where their true feelings are at risk of being exposed. In such circumstances, they’ll withdraw from the conversation, fearing being inadvertently pressured into revealing their true feelings. Also, they’ll give short, generic responses to anything you ask and won’t be much involved in most conversations.
They Exhibit Nervous Tics
Nervous tics are potentially embarrassing habits that some people display when they’re incredibly awkward or feel cornered. They can range from minor tremors and shakes to outright reacting aggressively and abruptly leaving conversations. If someone frequently exhibits nervous tics near you, it means they’re anxious and looking for a comfortable exit.
They Avoid Spending Time Alone
When a person is hiding their true feelings from you, they’ll actively avoid any situation that would put you and them alone in a room. It could be having to work on the same project, running the same errands, or even avoiding being in the room with you without someone there. Their avoidance doesn’t necessarily mean they’re avoiding you, but it might mean they’re avoiding the opportunity that could push them to reveal their true feelings.
They Dismiss Compliments
You can never predict how a person will react, especially when they’re mulling over conflicted feelings for you. If they suddenly start deflecting compliments and dismissing your words, it could be because they’re embarrassed around you or feel highly cornered. They might not want to draw more attention toward you, so they’ll dismiss genuine compliments in hopes of diminishing their own efforts.
They Frequently Apologize
Someone who’s either harboring feelings for you or is holding guilt will be incredibly remorseful and apologetic, even when they haven’t done anything to account for it. They’ll become nervous and say sorry for the most minute things, not because they’re making mistakes, but because they’re highly nervous around you and don’t want to subject you to anything hurtful.
They Speak In A Defensive Tone
If a person is trying to hide their feelings from you, they’ll become incredibly protective. They’ll see any question and statement as an accusation, even if that isn’t your intention. This means they’ll treat your words the same way, begin to justify themselves, explain their motives and actions, and even question your statement as a defensive tactic.
They Hesitate Before Answering Questions
One of the easiest ways to find out if someone is trying to hide their feelings from you is by noting how long it takes them to answer your question. You could ask them if they like you. If they stammer and take a while to muster an answer, it means they’re mulling how to mask their feelings for now. If they don’t like you, they’ll quickly say no or explain why they’re saying no.
They Display Inconsistent Stories
Inconsistent stories are a tell-tale sign of someone lying, even if they’re doing so to protect their and your feelings. If you like someone and feel like they gave you some positive gesture, you could question them directly. If they’re changing the details and steering the direction, it means they’re avoiding confrontation.
More For You
Relationships don’t last by luck. Couples have to put in a lot of effort to ensure their relationship thrives for years. One of the best ways to do so is by asking questions, which will allow you to strengthen the bond and bring you two closer.
This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.
