Even though we all want the same thing, to feel valued by someone else, not everyone can be trusted. Some people lie and are deceptive: Even when being treated with respect, they may strive to take advantage of you.

Positive facial expressions are also an indication of respect, or at least of not being a threat. Trustworthiness is more easily attributed to happy rather than angry faces.1 In fact, when someone is lying to you, it is more likely you will believe them if they do not appear angry. We have all had the experience of telling the truth but being so outraged by an accusation that we shoot ourselves in the foot by appearing angry. “Me think the Lady doth protest too much.” So, if you want people to believe you, stay calm!

We have a brain chemical of trust called oxytocin (OT). Trusting someone is a part of being human. How other people interpret your face can increase their own OT levels, enhancing the relationship and connection between you. OT makes it easier to connect with other people, but there may be a dark side: It may be more difficult to recognize when someone is lying.2

And the way we are feeling can sometimes influence the way we interpret another........

© Psychology Today