What behavior may indicate a person is lying according to non-verbal cues?

Touching the nose can be an indicator of deception as it is often associated with self-soothing behaviors. When individuals lie, they might experience anxiety or stress, leading them to engage in movements that offer comfort. Touching the nose can be a subconscious reaction to this discomfort, mirroring behaviors often associated with lying or nervousness.

In contrast, smiling frequently can suggest comfort or friendliness rather than dishonesty. Maintaining eye contact is generally a sign of confidence and truthfulness; liars might actually avoid eye contact due to guilt or fear of being caught, while someone telling the truth is more likely to maintain it. Crossing arms tightly is generally interpreted as a defensive or closed-off posture, which might indicate discomfort but does not specifically indicate deception. Thus, the behavior of touching the nose is particularly linked to the psychological state of a person who may be lying.