Most of us hope to find a partner we can spend our lives with. But no matter how strong the connection, no one wants to be with someone who lies. Trust is the backbone of any healthy relationship. When dishonesty creeps in, the relationship rarely survives—and even if it does, it’s unlikely to be a fulfilling or happy one.

Living with the constant feeling that your partner isn’t being completely honest can be exhausting. While your partner doesn’t need to report every detail of their day, there are certain matters that deserve openness and clarity.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling unsure about your partner. You may have believed you trusted them, but something now feels off—like you need to stay alert. That instinct shouldn’t be ignored. However, it’s also important to be honest with yourself. If you struggle with jealousy or insecurity, pause and reflect to make sure your doubts aren’t being created by fear. But if the feeling persists and feels genuine, it may be your intuition signaling that something isn’t right.

So, what are the common signs of dishonesty in a relationship? Let’s take a closer look.

# They Avoid Eye Contact

Making eye contact during conversation is natural. When someone consistently avoids it, they may be trying to hide something or feel uncomfortable telling the truth.

# They’re Vague About Where They Are

You don’t have a clear idea of how they spend their day. When you ask where they’ve been or what they’re doing, they dodge the question or give unclear answers. That avoidance raises questions.

# Their Behavior Has Changed

They used to be open and expressive, but now they feel distant or guarded. While stress from work or studies can cause changes, paired with other warning signs, it may point to something deeper.

# They Constantly Exaggerate

Their stories are overly dramatic, filled with unnecessary details or made-up dialogue. Occasional exaggeration is normal, but doing it all the time can be a way to mask the truth.

# They Act Paranoid

They become tense when their phone buzzes, hide their screen, or avoid checking notifications around you. This behavior often signals that they don’t want you to see something.

# They Always Have an Excuse

No matter the situation, they have a ready-made explanation and often shift blame elsewhere. While excuses happen occasionally, constant justification can be a red flag.

# Their Social Media Tells a Different Story

What they post online doesn’t align with what they’ve told you. Their social media presence seems disconnected from their real-life explanations.

# Someone Warns You

If someone you trust mentions that your partner is lying, don’t dismiss it immediately. Consider the source, but take the information seriously enough to look deeper.

# They Turn the Accusation on You

When you confront them with concerns, they deflect and accuse you of lying instead. This manipulation tactic often confirms that something is being hidden.

# They Hide Things

Unfamiliar bills, unexplained purchases, or secretive behavior around finances can signal concealment. Even if it’s not infidelity, secrecy itself is a problem.

# They Don’t Keep Their Promises

Their words don’t match their actions. Broken promises—big or small—show that their commitments lack sincerity.

# Your Gut Tells You Something’s Wrong

No matter how much you try to ignore it, the feeling doesn’t go away. When everything points back to dishonesty, it’s time to trust your instincts and explore what’s really happening.