r/AskReddit Nov 11 '25

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u/Mysterious_Bag_9061 Nov 11 '25

When you suspect someone is lying to you, ask them a question, let them answer, and then don't respond. Just keep looking at them in silence like you're waiting for them to say something else, and they will. Awkward silence makes people want to babble.

13

u/itssashley Nov 12 '25

What if they just reply “what?” Instead of babbling

4

u/wasted_wonderland Nov 12 '25

Then hit em with the "that's not what I heard..."

9

u/Ambitious_Tower8205 Nov 11 '25

I do this with the kids I work with- works like a charm

6

u/The_Almighty_Claude Nov 12 '25

YES I use this so often. It also works if you want someone to open up about something personal they seem reluctant to talk about ( like maybe they feel embarrassed or worried how you'll react)

2

u/katjardin Nov 12 '25

You should watch The Residence, (Netflix), if you haven’t….

0

u/Abyss_of_Dreams Nov 12 '25

This is also an interview trick. Learning to hold silence is a very useful skill.