Renowned psychologist, Amy Cuddy is an expert on body language, studying how the body can betray humanity when we are caught lying.

Cuddy states that seventy percent of people (in a poll taken in sixty-three countries) believe that they can tell when someone is lying to them because they don’t make eye contact. And while that may have some truth to it, it is not the only thing. All the stereotypical reveals like fidgeting or averted eyes can all be taken with a grain of salt. Body language goes deeper. “…lying–or being inauthentic–is hard work.”

Lies bring a lot of baggage with them. When people lie they are juggling “what they know to be true, what they want to be true, what they are presenting as true, and all the emotions that go along with each — fear, anger, guilt, hope.

All the while, they are trying to project a credible image of themselves, which suddenly becomes very, very difficult.” The body doesn’t lie. Our mannerisms change. Our physical positioning changes. We are not ourselves. For good reason, because we are not being truthful. It is a lot of work to lie.

Telling the truth and being authentic does not require much. However, it does require courage. We fall into the trap of determining our self worth on external validation. With that being said, when we show up inauthentically, people notice. They can smell it a mile away. When you are surrounded by people that you are trying to impress, they can tell. The confidence level plummets, the movements are not fluid and insecurity sets it. Your body gives you away.

But what a beautiful thing! So the next time you show up to that party where you don’t know many people, remember that it’s easier to be yourself than to lie. Even if you do lie, your body will say something different.

Watch Amy’s TedTalk.