how to respond to a liar…



Hey Reader,

You know someone is lying to you. But you’re not sure what to do.

Here’s how to handle it like a pro:

1: Take a break.

If they’re not telling you the truth, take a pause and say, “I need to come back to this conversation.”

If they’re telling the truth, they’ll wait. But if they’re lying, they’ll get nervous.

A liar will likely pepper you with questions like, “What do you think happened?” Doing this helps them craft a story that aligns with your suspicions but redirects the guilt.

2: Use the phrase, “Something feels off.”

If they’re telling you the truth, they’ll accept it and say, “Okay, what feels off?”

A liar, on the other hand, will overreact and attempt to gaslight you. They might say something like, “You’re literally insane right now.”

That’s bait. Don’t bite it.

3: Don’t say anything.

Don’t say a single word. Just wait and watch.

Liars will start to talk to themselves. They’ll say things like, “I mean why would I do something like that?” or “That’s not even me.”

They’ll get more flustered or more upset because you’re not falling for it.

Remember, the less you say, the more control you have.

And that’s how to respond to a liar.

- J.

P.S. Handling liars is all about control—don't give them yours. Let their own words lead you to the truth.


Read all of my past emails here.

Not getting the info you want? Update your preferences. No longer want to hear from me? Unsubscribe here.

156 S. Main Street Ste 300 #769, Lumberton, TX 77657

Jefferson Fisher

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

Read more from Jefferson Fisher

Hey Reader, I’ve wanted to have this conversation for a long time. This week’s guest is Will Guidara, the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which became the number one restaurant in the entire world under his leadership. He’s also the author of the New York Times best selling book Unreasonable Hospitality and a producer on The Bear, an Emmy Award winning TV show. What struck me most about Will wasn’t just how he built a world-class restaurant, it was how deeply he understands people....

Hey Reader, My seven-year-old has decided she's a chef. Cookies, fresh bread, scrambled eggs — if it can be made, she's making it. Her brother has decided he's a food critic. His only note so far is "more." They have a good system. :) Watching her figure out something new, one attempt at a time, is a good reminder for us. You don't always get it right the first time. You just keep showing up until it clicks. That's what we're doing here. Let's get into this week's three things. #1. From My...

Hey Reader, I'm trying something new this week on the podcast. In today's episode, you'll hear real voicemails from people dealing with real-life situations. I’m listening to them for the first time live, so you'll hear my unfiltered answers. :) In this episode, you’ll learn: What to say when someone shuts down emotionally How to handle an apology that isn’t accepted (without carrying the weight of it) The exact language to use in hard conversations about money, leadership, and boundaries...