01/01/2026
Detecting ‘Dodgy’ People
Do you feel that a person you work with, do business with, live with, or are romantically interested in may not be authentic, are stringing you along, or using you? In a world where sporadic texting is considered business and personal conversations, people can easily be misled and become caught up in a business or personal relationship that leads nowhere and are utter timewasters. Here are seven ways to detect ‘dodgy’ people.
1. Inconsistencies in their conversations: If you notice that the person's story or explanations about their actions keep changing or just don't add up, it could be a sign that they are being dishonest or trying to pretend they’re someone that they are not.
2. Lack of follow-through: If the person consistently fails to follow through on their commitments or promises, especially without a valid explanation, it may indicate that they are not being genuine, are hiding something, or are using you for their own gain.
3. Unreliability: If the person is frequently late, cancels plans at the last minute, or doesn't show up or call when they say they will, it could be a sign that they are not respecting your time nor your relationship with them. Self-entitled people will often believe that their wants and needs are more important than those of other people.
4. Manipulative behaviour: If you feel like the person is constantly trying to manipulate or control you to gain what they want, it may be a red flag that they are not being authentic in their interactions with you. Manipulation is a sign of very poor communication skills.
5. Lack of empathy: If the person consistently shows a lack of empathy or concern for your feelings, needs, or well-being, it could indicate that they are more focused on using you for their own benefit rather than building a genuine connection. Yes, psychopaths fall into this category!
6. Avoidance and deflection: If the person avoids direct questions, changes the subject when confronted, or deflects blame onto others when questioned about their actions, non-actions, or what they’ve said, it could be a sign that they are not being truthful; perhaps hiding something.
7. Overly charming or charismatic: While charm can be a positive trait, if someone is excessively charming or charismatic to the point where it feels insincere or manipulative, they may not be authentic in their interactions with you or they might not be as knowledgeable as they are trying to make out.
It's important to trust your instincts when evaluating if someone is being authentic, lying, procrastinating, or using you. If you have concerns about a person's behaviour, it may be helpful to communicate openly with them, set boundaries, and consider seeking support from professionals. I’m happy to help!
Cheers Gail