Common Habits of Untrustworthy People

Want to know how to spot an untrustworthy man or woman? Here are some common habits of untrustworthy people.

 

They lack integrity.

One of the most common traits of an untrustworthy person is a lack of integrity. The most obvious and visible example of dishonest behavior is cheating. A classic example is when a co-worker takes credit for your ideas or work, showing that they prioritize personal gain over honesty and responsibility.

Another classic example is repeatedly apologizing for bad behavior but not changing that behavior in the future.

They do not trust others

Untrustworthy people often don't trust others, and while this may indicate that they have been hurt by others in the past, sometimes it's worse.

 

It can also be projection – that is, they are untrustworthy and think everyone else must be, so they don't trust others. For example, an unfaithful partner will suspect the other person and accuse them of cheating , or a boss will believe that their employee will do something dishonest because they have done something shady.

It's understandable that someone who doesn't mind breaking promises and trust can't believe that others can be honest. What's interesting is how deep and profound their lack of confidence is.

They have a history of unreliability and inconsistency.

It's no surprise that untrustworthy people have a history of this. They're like slot machines. They know exactly how much they can do, and just when you're about to leave, they do something amazing to make you stay. You may also hear repeated apologies from these people or even find yourself being treated unfairly (e.g., "I never said I'd be here at 1:00 - you must have misheard me.

Characteristics of an unreliable man or woman also include being inconsistent in their emotions and actions, as well as exhibiting a lack of predictability that leaves those around them unsure of what they really want—like the party guest who broke their promise about an important introduction.

 

They break the rules

Often attributed to narcissistic behavior, frequent rule-breaking can signal that you're dealing with an untrustworthy person. These people often think the rules don't apply to them or say they're too busy to deal with them. Untrustworthy people are often easily identified by small things, such as frequently running red lights or stop signs " when no one's looking ," cutting in line, or stealing " free stuff " from a hotel trolley. But they can also be signs of larger, more concerning issues, such as tax fraud (or failure to pay), infidelity, and circumventing company rules at work.

Violations of this rule are often done covertly, revealing only to those closest to them. It is important to compare the public image an untrustworthy person presents (such as on social media) with how they act around those close to them. While they may appear to be good, upstanding citizens to those who do not know them well, their true colors are often revealed around close friends, family, or those with less power.

They don't care about your feelings

Have you ever tried to explain that something is making you uncomfortable, but the other person doesn't seem to care? A trusted friend or partner should be able to recognize how things affect you. And once you tell them something is making you uncomfortable (like a joke), it's important that they acknowledge your feelings and change their behavior.

If instead they continue to joke and insist that it was just a small thing, it's a warning sign that they may lack empathy and respect for your feelings.