Someone Who Is Very Hard To Fool Usually Asks 8 Questions Most People Don't Think To Ask
Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock Even if they don’t have any proof to back up their claims, a manipulative person will say whatever it takes to make people around them believe what they’re saying. Sadly, it can be easy to be convinced by liars like this.
It takes a keen eye and a strong understanding of others to avoid being fooled. They use their thinking skills to get to the bottom of a situation by asking questions the average person wouldn’t even think to ask. Most of us aren't great lie detectors because we want to believe what people tell us. We see things through an honesty bias, assuming everyone has our best interests at heart. Not everyone buys into this idea, though. This type of person isn’t going to fall for outlandish things just because they want to see the best in others. They ask all the right questions to ensure they are not fooled by their kindness.
If someone is very hard to fool, they usually ask certain questions that most people never think to ask
1. ‘Are you telling me everything?’
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When someone is trying to fool you, they may leave out part of the story or plan. This is a form of deception. They hope you’ll take what they say at face value and not ask any other questions. Someone who isn’t easily fooled can tell when something is too good to be true. They may try to push them on the subject until they feel they have gotten a genuine answer.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t always get to the bottom of the situation, but it shows they know something isn’t right. The deceiver may not try to push the issue with them again because they can sense they’re onto them.
2. ‘‘How do you know that?’
Overly confident people make for the best liars. They tell convincing stories and talk people into something they don’t want to do. If they have an idea, a business opportunity, or are gossiping, their word can be taken as fact, even if there is no proof or substance to back it up. They are that good at trying to fool people.
Someone who isn’t going to trust only another person’s word for it will think to ask how they know something is true. This might seem like common sense to us, but putting it into practice isn’t always easy. If someone who refuses to get fooled asks this question, they may be able to find that person slip up. It takes more work to lie than to tell the truth, and this type of question can throw someone off and show the faults in their story.
3. ‘What happens if this isn’t true?’
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Liars may not be prepared to be asked direct questions about their untruths. If everyone they’ve tried to con before believed them, they can be blindsided by someone who isn’t afraid to confront them. It’s a good idea to point out something that doesn’t make sense, but it is only effective if it comes from a good place. If someone is immune to liars, they will call them out without being aggressive.
Finding out the facts is essential for someone who refuses to be fooled. Asking someone directly what would happen if they were lying may prompt them to rethink their actions altogether. They know that if something isn’t adding up, there’s a reason.
4. ‘What do you gain from me doing this?’
Is there an ulterior motive buried under someone’s request? This can be the case, and if someone refuses to be fooled, they will ask directly to figure it out. People who use others may expect them to do what they want out of the kindness of their hearts. When someone isn’t afraid to ask if they’re being taken advantage of, it shows they have a backbone. They won’t do something just because someone else benefits from it, especially if they are left making a sacrifice.
Mixed motives are common. Some want to genuinely do good while also getting something out of it for themselves. Other times, they are flat out manipulating people for their own gain. By asking this question directly, they may back off.
5. ‘What is actually being said here?’
Manipulative people can be good at influencing others. They will tell lies to get someone else on their side for their own gain. Many deceiving people are masters at this tactic. They hide behind flattery or vague comments to encourage trust. Why would someone say such nice or convincing things if it wasn't true?
This influence can fool people. Whether they’re saying something that isn’t true or trying to convince someone to do something, when they approach it with kind words or excitement, it can be all-consuming. A direct person isn’t going to buy into it. Instead, they’ll wonder what their actual motivation is and what’s hiding behind the lines of their perfectly crafted words, and will ask questions accordingly.
6. ‘Why are you telling me this?’
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Timing is everything in situations like this. There’s a motive behind when someone shares something they hope will fool the other. If they sense that person is vulnerable, they may pounce. They’ll drop hints or information to win them over, but it doesn’t work on everyone.
A sense of urgency encourages people to think quickly. When we are under pressure, our thought process can become lazy. We’ll agree to anything to get the situation over with. Avoiding questions is one way people get themself in a bind with a dishonest person.
Some people refuse to feel pressured and put themselves first in these situations because they know their decisions are just as important as others'. It’s easier for them to slow down and think things through because they are looking out for themselves and not trying to please others.
7. ‘How does this even affect you?’
I have a friend who complains about everything and everyone. She is constantly trying to convince me to think similarly to her. It’s as if her enemies have to be mine, and I can’t enjoy things she doesn’t like. It’s silly, especially in adulthood. One thing that has kept me from being convinced to follow her lead is asking her one simple question.
How exactly do my opinions or actions on these topics affect her? I’ve pulled this line with her several times. She’ll try to come up with a reason, but ultimately, none of them stick. She knows she can’t fool me because I will call her out, and it prevents me from being talked into disliking someone or something for no reason.
8. ‘Can you show me what you mean?’
Being vague is a tactic that people hope will convince you to follow their lead. If you mindlessly agree with them, they get what they want. Of course, it’s not always easy to question someone, especially when they are self-assured or unwilling to hear another person’s opinion. People who refuse to be fooled see it differently: how will they truly know someone’s intentions if they don’t ask them directly?
Asking them to show you what they mean essentially tells them you’re not there to play. Whether it’s seeking proof of a claim or calling them out for what they say, hitting them with further questions can throw them off completely. This type of person doesn’t believe someone just because they expect them to be honest. They want to make sure they’re telling the truth before they jump to any conclusions.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities, living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
