7 subtle behaviors of people who are difficult to read, according to psychology

I’ve always been fascinated by the human mind.

I’ve spent countless hours trying to understand the subtle behaviors of people, especially those who are difficult to read.

But then, I delved deeper into my psychology studies and discovered seven key behaviors that these individuals commonly exhibit. Talk about a game changer.

In this article, I’ll shed light on these behaviors. My hope is that this will not only satisfy your curiosity but also help you understand these intriguing individuals better.

So, let’s dive in.

1) They’re incredibly observant

My exploration into the realm of psychology revealed to me that those who are difficult to read often exhibit a higher level of observation than most.

These individuals might seem silent or even aloof, but don’t let that fool you. They are constantly absorbing details, noticing things about people and environments that others often miss.

Their minds are like sponges, taking in every subtlety, every nuance. This heightened observation skill allows them to understand situations and people at a much deeper level.

But there’s a flip side. This intense observation can make them hard to read. They tend not to wear their thoughts or feelings on their sleeves and choose instead, to observe and assess.

Next time you’re around someone who is hard to read, pay attention to how observant they are. It may give you a glimpse into their thought process, making them a little less difficult to understand.

2) They’re experts at controlling their emotions

I remember a time when I was interacting with a friend who was particularly hard to read. Despite the chaos that was unfolding around us, he remained unfazed, his face an inscrutable mask.

It wasn’t until later that I realized this was yet another common trait of individuals who are difficult to decipher – a remarkable ability to control their emotions.

They don’t allow their feelings to dictate their reactions. Instead, they process their emotions internally, making it hard for others to predict their next move or understand what they’re feeling.

This trait reminded me of a quote by the renowned psychologist, Carl Jung: “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

It’s possible that the difficulty I had in reading my friend stemmed from my own struggles with emotional control. It’s a thought-provoking insight into how our perceptions of others can sometimes reflect more about us than them.

3) They often have a poker face

I once had a colleague who was notoriously difficult to read. Day in and day out, whether it was during a tense meeting or a casual lunch break, her facial expressions gave nothing away.

I realized that this was not due to a lack of emotions, but rather a conscious decision to maintain what is often referred to as a ‘poker face’. This behavior is common among people who are tough to read.

They maintain a neutral expression, making it incredibly hard for others to decipher what they’re thinking or feeling. This allows them to keep their thoughts and emotions private, giving them an edge in situations where revealing too much could be detrimental.

Remembering this characteristic of my colleague helped me understand that her inscrutable demeanor wasn’t personal. It was simply her way of navigating interpersonal interactions.

So, if you encounter someone with a seemingly impenetrable ‘poker face’, don’t be too quick to label them as distant or unapproachable. It’s just their way of keeping their cards close to their chest.

4) They’re selective with their words

In my journey to understand the psychology of people who are hard to read, I stumbled upon an intriguing pattern – they tend to be selective with their words.

I recall a neighbor of mine who was precisely this way. He would often communicate through brief, carefully chosen statements.

Initially, I found this perplexing, but eventually, I recognized it as a trait common among individuals who are difficult to decipher.

Interestingly, a study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley suggests that individuals who are more analytical and spend more time reflecting on their thoughts tend to use fewer words when communicating.

Their silence shouldn’t be mistaken for aloofness or indifference. Rather, they’re just being thoughtful and intentional about what they choose to express verbally.

5) They’re often independent thinkers

Another fascinating characteristic I’ve observed in people who are difficult to read is their tendency to think independently.

I had a classmate in college who was a prime example of this. She often had unique perspectives and wasn’t easily swayed by popular opinion.

At first, her unconventional thinking seemed a bit off-putting, but over time, I realized it was simply a manifestation of her independent thought process.

These individuals are not afraid to challenge the status quo or venture off the beaten path. They evaluate situations from various angles and form their own conclusions rather than blindly accepting the views of others.

This independent thinking makes them unpredictable, adding to their mystique and making them harder to read.

If you find someone’s thought process hard to grasp, it could be because they’re an independent thinker. Embrace their unique perspective – it might just broaden your own horizons.

6) They’re comfortable with silence

An old friend of mine was someone who could sit in silence for what seemed like an eternity. His comfort with quietness was something I initially found uncomfortable, but eventually learned to appreciate.

This ability to embrace silence is another trait often found in those who are difficult to read.

These individuals don’t feel the need to fill every moment with conversation. They are comfortable with their thoughts and don’t feel compelled to share them unless they deem it necessary.

This tendency reminds me of a quote by psychologist Rollo May: “In order to be open to creativity, one must have the capacity for constructive use of solitude. One must overcome the fear of being alone.”

Now if you come across someone who seems at ease with silence, don’t mistake it for disinterest or aloofness. They might simply be content in their solitude, contemplating their thoughts and ideas.

7) They’re genuinely interested in others

While it may seem counterintuitive, people who are difficult to read often have a deep interest in understanding others.

I recall a mentor of mine who was exceptionally hard to read, yet he always showed a genuine curiosity about my thoughts and perspectives. It was as if he was always trying to read me, even though I often found him inscrutable.

This trait can make them excellent listeners. They tend to ask insightful questions and show genuine interest in the responses, even though they may not readily share their own thoughts or feelings.

So, if you’re dealing with someone who is hard to read, try sharing more about yourself. Their reaction might provide you with valuable insights into their own mindset and personality.

And remember, just because they’re difficult to read doesn’t mean they’re not worth understanding. It might take a little more effort, but the insights you gain could be well worth it.

Conclusion

Understanding people who are difficult to read can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. These individuals often possess unique perspectives and a depth of character that’s worth exploring.

Patience is key. Don’t rush to judgments or let frustration get the best of you. Instead, observe their subtle behaviors and engage with genuine interest.

And most importantly, embrace the mystery. After all, it’s the complexities and intricacies of human behavior that make our interactions with each other so fascinating.

Keep an open mind, practice empathy, and you might just unravel the enigma of the hard-to-read individuals in your life.