"Working Late" - How to Know If It's Really Work

The Text That Makes Your Stomach Drop

It's 6:45 PM. You expected them home by now.

Your phone buzzes:

"Still at the office. Going to be another late night. Don't wait up."

Maybe it's true. They do have a demanding job.

But this is the third time this week. And you can't shake the feeling that something's off.

The language feels different. The excuses are vague. The details don't quite add up.

Your gut is screaming:

This isn't about work.

Here's how to know if you're right.

Why "Working Late" Is the Perfect Cover

Cheaters love this excuse because:

It's believable - People do work late
It's vague - "Working" can mean anything
It's unverifiable - You can't check without seeming controlling
It creates routine - Pattern establishes normalcy
It explains phone behavior - "Can't talk, in a meeting"

But here's what cheaters don't realize:

Honest overtime sounds different from fake overtime.

The language patterns are distinct. The details have tells. The behavior gives it away.

You just need to know what to look for.

The Language That Reveals Fake Overtime

1. Vague vs. Specific

Real work:

"Client presentation ran over, then Jenkins had questions about the Q4 projections. Probably here til 8. Save me some dinner?"

Fake work:

"Stuck here late. Lots to do. See you later."

Why specific details matter:

Real work has real details:

Client names
Project specifics
Coworkers mentioned
Timeframe estimates
Acknowledgment of inconvenience

Fake work is deliberately vague because details create accountability.

2. Reactive vs. Proactive Communication

Real work:

They tell you before you ask:

"Heads up - big deadline tomorrow so I'll probably be late tonight. Want me to pick up anything on the way home?"

Fake work:

You have to text them first:

You: "When will you be home?" Them: "Late. Working."

Why this matters:

People working late anticipate your question and address it. They know it affects you.

People lying avoid the topic until forced to address it.

3. Consistent vs. Changing Stories

Real work has internal consistency:

6PM: "Working on the Peterson account" 8PM: "Still here, Peterson stuff taking forever" 10PM: "Finally done with Peterson. Heading home"

Fake work has shifting details:

6PM: "Working on reports" 8PM: "In a meeting" 10PM: "Had to help a coworker with something"

The lie changes because they're making it up as they go.

4. Tired and Annoyed vs. Energized

Real overtime:

"Ugh, so exhausted. This day was brutal. All I want is the couch and you."

Tone: Tired, frustrated, longing for home.

Fake overtime (affair):

"Finally done! What a night. Grabbing a drink to decompress first."

Tone: Energized, upbeat, not eager to come home.

Why this matters:

Real work drains you. You want to escape.

Affairs energize you. You're not rushing to leave.

The Behavioral Patterns That Expose the Lie

1. Increased "Work" Frequency

Red flag timeline:

Month 1: Late twice
Month 2: Late 4-5 times
Month 3: Late 2-3 times per week

Why this pattern is suspicious:

Real work crises are episodic: Busy season, then it calms down.

Affairs are progressive: Frequency increases as the relationship deepens.

Ask yourself: Has their job actually changed? New role? New project? Or just suddenly "busy"?

2. Weekend and Off-Hours "Work"

Real work:

"Have to go in Saturday to finish the presentation. Should only be a few hours."

Uses office. Grumbles about it. Returns when promised.

Fake work:

"Have to take care of some work stuff. Running out for a bit."

Vague location. Defensive tone. Gone longer than estimated.

3. Appearance Changes

Pay attention to:

Before "work late":

Shower in the morning only
Comfortable office clothes
Minimal effort on appearance

During "work late" period:

Shower before "overtime"
New cologne/perfume
Dressing up more than usual
Gym membership suddenly important

Why this matters:

You don't freshen up for Excel spreadsheets.

You freshen up for someone you want to impress.

4. Phone Behavior While "Working Late"

Real work:

Available to text
Answers when you call
Details match later conversation
Phone on desk/normal availability

Fake work:

You: "How's it going?" [2 hours later]: "Sorry, was in back-to-back meetings"

But it's 9 PM. Who has meetings at 9 PM?

Red flags:

Unreachable for hours
"Meeting" excuses at odd hours
Won't answer calls, only texts
Can't FaceTime to say hi

5. Coworker Knowledge

Real work:

You know the coworkers. They've been mentioned for months. You've met them at events.

"Yeah, Sarah and I had to redo the entire presentation"

Fake work:

New "coworker" appears suddenly:

"Had to help Alex with something"

Ask: "Oh, which department is Alex in?"

Real colleague: They can tell you Fake colleague (affair partner): "Um, marketing I think?"

Vague details about a "coworker" they're allegedly spending hours with = red flag.

The Proof Patterns: What Honest Overtime Looks Like

✅ Legitimate Overtime Has:

1. Verifiable details

Project names
Client names
Coworker names
Specific tasks

2. Consistent communication

Updates throughout
Same story from start to finish
Details that make sense together

3. Evidence

Work emails with timestamps
Visible work product (presentations, documents)
Coworker corroboration
Calendar invites for meetings

4. Proportional response

Tired when home
Frustrated about workload
Happy when work calms down
Relieved when project ends

5. Transparency

Willing to show calendar
Shares work stress with you
No defensiveness about questions
Includes you in work talk

The Red Flags: What Fake Overtime Looks Like

❌ Suspicious "Work" Has:

1. Vague, shifting details

Generic explanations
Story changes when asked later
Can't recall what they were working on
No coworker specifics

2. Defensive reactions

Angry when you ask questions
"Why don't you trust me?"
Won't show calendar/emails
Accuses you of being controlling

3. Pattern escalation

Increasing frequency
Weekend "emergencies"
Last-minute notifications
Conveniently always busy when you try to join

4. Inconsistent exhaustion

Energized, not tired
Wants to go out after "working"
Showering when they get home
Not complaining about workload

5. Changed phone behavior

Won't let you call the office
Doesn't answer desk phone
"Do not disturb" mode
Secretive about location

How to Test Your Theory (Without Violating Trust)

1. The Surprise Visit Test

"I was nearby and thought I'd bring you dinner!"

Real work: "Oh that's so sweet! Come up to the office!"

Fake work: "Uh, actually I'm about to leave/in a meeting/not at the office"

2. The Calendar Check

"Can I see your calendar? I want to plan that weekend trip around your deadlines."

Real work: Shows you without hesitation

Fake work: "I'll check and let you know" (never shows calendar)

3. The Coworker Mention

"Oh, you should invite Sarah! I'd love to meet her finally."

Real work: "Great idea! Let me text her."

Fake work: "She's probably busy" or "We're not that close"

Translation: Sarah doesn't exist or isn't who they say she is.

4. The Casual Work Question

Later, ask casually:

"How did that Peterson project turn out?"

Real work: Can tell you details, outcome, resolution

Fake work: "Oh, fine" (can't remember what they supposedly worked on)

The 4Angles Analysis: Decode "Working Late" Texts

When they text about overtime, 4Angles reveals:

SIGNAL (Content Analysis)

What specific details are present (or missing)?

Identifies vague vs specific language
Shows detail consistency over time
Reveals if the story makes logical sense

OPPORTUNITY (Framing)

How are they presenting this "work"?

Spots proactive vs reactive communication
Identifies excuse patterns vs genuine updates
Shows defensive vs transparent framing

RISK (Deception Markers)

What are the red flags for dishonesty?

Flags inconsistent stories
Warns about pattern escalation
Identifies gaslighting responses
Shows changed behavior markers

AFFECT (Emotional Tone)

Do they sound like someone actually working?

Measures frustration vs enthusiasm
Tracks exhaustion vs energy
Identifies guilt compensation patterns
Shows if tone matches claimed activity

Paste their "working late" texts and see if the language matches legitimate overtime.

Real Example: Legitimate vs. Affair

✅ REAL OVERTIME

5:30 PM: "FYI - Thompson moved our deadline up to tomorrow. Going to be here late finishing the presentation. Probably 8-9ish?"

7:15 PM: "Still here. This is taking forever. How was your day?"

8:45 PM: "Finally done. So tired. Heading home now. Want me to grab takeout?"

Analysis:

✅ Specific project (Thompson, presentation)
✅ Time estimate + update
✅ Still engaged with you
✅ Sounds exhausted
✅ Eager to come home

❌ FAKE OVERTIME (AFFAIR)

6:15 PM: "Still at work. Going to be late."

You: "How late?"

8:30 PM: "Not sure. Busy."

You: "What are you working on?"

[Read at 8:32 PM, no response]

10:45 PM: "Finally leaving. Don't wait up."

Analysis:

❌ No specific details
❌ Reactive, not proactive
❌ Ignored your question
❌ Read but didn't respond
❌ Very late, no explanation

What "Working Late" Actually Means: The Statistics

According to infidelity research:

53% of affairs start with a coworker
36% of affairs happen during "overtime" hours
67% of cheaters cite "work" as their primary cover story

Why work is the perfect cover:

Built-in plausibility
Can't be easily verified
Establishes routine
Explains phone silence
Legitimate reason to see the person regularly

But the language patterns give it away every time.

When "Working Late" Is Actually Work

Not all overtime is an affair.

Legitimate reasons for increased hours:

New project with real deadline
Promotion to higher responsibility
Busy season (tax season, year-end close, etc.)
Actual work crisis (server down, client emergency)

How to tell it's real:

✅ Details are specific and consistent

✅ You can verify (call the office, see work product)

✅ Pattern matches actual business cycles

✅ They're frustrated, not energized

✅ Work product is visible

✅ No defensiveness about questions

✅ Returns when promised (or with updates)

What to Do When You Suspect the Lie

1. Document the Pattern

Write down:

Dates and times of "overtime"
Reasons given
Inconsistencies
Changed behavior

Why: Gaslighters will make you doubt yourself. Documentation keeps you sane.

2. Ask Direct Questions (Watch the Response)

"I've noticed you've been working late a lot. Can we talk about what's going on at work?"

Honest response:

"Yeah, it's been crazy. We got this new project..." [details follow, willing to discuss]

Dishonest response:

"Why are you interrogating me? You don't trust me?" [defensive, redirects to you]

3. Request Transparency

"I'm feeling disconnected from what's happening in your work life. Can you help me understand what you're working on?"

Real work: They'll happily explain

Fake work: They'll minimize and deflect

4. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, it probably is.

Research shows people detect deception at above-chance levels when they trust their instincts.

Your subconscious picks up on patterns your conscious mind might rationalize away.

The Hard Truth

If you're fact-checking their work schedule...

The relationship is already in trouble.

Even if they ARE working late:

You don't trust them
They're not communicating clearly
You're disconnected

Those problems exist regardless of infidelity.

The "working late" excuse is just a symptom of a bigger dysfunction.

Try It Now: Analyze Their "Work" Texts

Paste their overtime texts into 4Angles and see:

How specific vs vague the details are
What deception markers are present
Whether the pattern matches real work
If your suspicions are justified

Analyze work excuse texts free here →

The Bottom Line

Honest overtime has:

Specific details
Consistent stories
Verifiable elements
Tired, frustrated tone
Proactive communication

Fake overtime has:

Vague explanations
Shifting details
Defensive reactions
Energized tone
Reactive communication

The language tells you everything.

You just have to know how to read it.

About 4Angles: We analyze text messages from 4 perspectives to reveal what's really being communicated. See the details (or lack thereof), the framing, the red flags, and the emotional truth. Built for people who trust their gut but need evidence.

Last updated: October 31, 2025

The Text That Makes Your Stomach Drop

It's 6:45 PM. You expected them home by now.

Your phone buzzes:

"Still at the office. Going to be another late night. Don't wait up."

Maybe it's true. They do have a demanding job.

But this is the third time this week. And you can't shake the feeling that something's off.

The language feels different. The excuses are vague. The details don't quite add up.

Your gut is screaming:

This isn't about work.

Here's how to know if you're right.

Why "Working Late" Is the Perfect Cover

Cheaters love this excuse because:

It's believable - People do work late
It's vague - "Working" can mean anything
It's unverifiable - You can't check without seeming controlling
It creates routine - Pattern establishes normalcy
It explains phone behavior - "Can't talk, in a meeting"

But here's what cheaters don't realize:

Honest overtime sounds different from fake overtime.

The language patterns are distinct. The details have tells. The behavior gives it away.

You just need to know what to look for.

The Language That Reveals Fake Overtime

1. Vague vs. Specific

Real work:

"Client presentation ran over, then Jenkins had questions about the Q4 projections. Probably here til 8. Save me some dinner?"

Fake work:

"Stuck here late. Lots to do. See you later."

Why specific details matter:

Real work has real details:

Client names
Project specifics
Coworkers mentioned
Timeframe estimates
Acknowledgment of inconvenience

Fake work is deliberately vague because details create accountability.

2. Reactive vs. Proactive Communication

Real work:

They tell you before you ask:

"Heads up - big deadline tomorrow so I'll probably be late tonight. Want me to pick up anything on the way home?"

Fake work:

You have to text them first:

You: "When will you be home?" Them: "Late. Working."

Why this matters:

People working late anticipate your question and address it. They know it affects you.

People lying avoid the topic until forced to address it.

3. Consistent vs. Changing Stories

Real work has internal consistency:

6PM: "Working on the Peterson account" 8PM: "Still here, Peterson stuff taking forever" 10PM: "Finally done with Peterson. Heading home"

Fake work has shifting details:

6PM: "Working on reports" 8PM: "In a meeting" 10PM: "Had to help a coworker with something"

The lie changes because they're making it up as they go.

4. Tired and Annoyed vs. Energized

Real overtime:

"Ugh, so exhausted. This day was brutal. All I want is the couch and you."

Tone: Tired, frustrated, longing for home.

Fake overtime (affair):

"Finally done! What a night. Grabbing a drink to decompress first."

Tone: Energized, upbeat, not eager to come home.

Why this matters:

Real work drains you. You want to escape.

Affairs energize you. You're not rushing to leave.

The Behavioral Patterns That Expose the Lie

1. Increased "Work" Frequency

Red flag timeline:

Month 1: Late twice
Month 2: Late 4-5 times
Month 3: Late 2-3 times per week

Why this pattern is suspicious:

Real work crises are episodic: Busy season, then it calms down.

Affairs are progressive: Frequency increases as the relationship deepens.

Ask yourself: Has their job actually changed? New role? New project? Or just suddenly "busy"?

2. Weekend and Off-Hours "Work"

Real work:

"Have to go in Saturday to finish the presentation. Should only be a few hours."

Uses office. Grumbles about it. Returns when promised.

Fake work:

"Have to take care of some work stuff. Running out for a bit."

Vague location. Defensive tone. Gone longer than estimated.

3. Appearance Changes

Pay attention to:

Before "work late":

Shower in the morning only
Comfortable office clothes
Minimal effort on appearance

During "work late" period:

Shower before "overtime"
New cologne/perfume
Dressing up more than usual
Gym membership suddenly important

Why this matters:

You don't freshen up for Excel spreadsheets.

You freshen up for someone you want to impress.

4. Phone Behavior While "Working Late"

Real work:

Available to text
Answers when you call
Details match later conversation
Phone on desk/normal availability

Fake work:

You: "How's it going?" [2 hours later]: "Sorry, was in back-to-back meetings"

But it's 9 PM. Who has meetings at 9 PM?

Red flags:

Unreachable for hours
"Meeting" excuses at odd hours
Won't answer calls, only texts
Can't FaceTime to say hi

5. Coworker Knowledge

Real work:

You know the coworkers. They've been mentioned for months. You've met them at events.

"Yeah, Sarah and I had to redo the entire presentation"

Fake work:

New "coworker" appears suddenly:

"Had to help Alex with something"

Ask: "Oh, which department is Alex in?"

Real colleague: They can tell you Fake colleague (affair partner): "Um, marketing I think?"

Vague details about a "coworker" they're allegedly spending hours with = red flag.

The Proof Patterns: What Honest Overtime Looks Like

✅ Legitimate Overtime Has:

1. Verifiable details

Project names
Client names
Coworker names
Specific tasks

2. Consistent communication

Updates throughout
Same story from start to finish
Details that make sense together

3. Evidence

Work emails with timestamps
Visible work product (presentations, documents)
Coworker corroboration
Calendar invites for meetings

4. Proportional response

Tired when home
Frustrated about workload
Happy when work calms down
Relieved when project ends

5. Transparency

Willing to show calendar
Shares work stress with you
No defensiveness about questions
Includes you in work talk

The Red Flags: What Fake Overtime Looks Like

❌ Suspicious "Work" Has:

1. Vague, shifting details

Generic explanations
Story changes when asked later
Can't recall what they were working on
No coworker specifics

2. Defensive reactions

Angry when you ask questions
"Why don't you trust me?"
Won't show calendar/emails
Accuses you of being controlling

3. Pattern escalation

Increasing frequency
Weekend "emergencies"
Last-minute notifications
Conveniently always busy when you try to join

4. Inconsistent exhaustion

Energized, not tired
Wants to go out after "working"
Showering when they get home
Not complaining about workload

5. Changed phone behavior

Won't let you call the office
Doesn't answer desk phone
"Do not disturb" mode
Secretive about location

How to Test Your Theory (Without Violating Trust)

1. The Surprise Visit Test

"I was nearby and thought I'd bring you dinner!"

Real work: "Oh that's so sweet! Come up to the office!"

Fake work: "Uh, actually I'm about to leave/in a meeting/not at the office"

2. The Calendar Check

"Can I see your calendar? I want to plan that weekend trip around your deadlines."

Real work: Shows you without hesitation

Fake work: "I'll check and let you know" (never shows calendar)

3. The Coworker Mention

"Oh, you should invite Sarah! I'd love to meet her finally."

Real work: "Great idea! Let me text her."

Fake work: "She's probably busy" or "We're not that close"

Translation: Sarah doesn't exist or isn't who they say she is.

4. The Casual Work Question

Later, ask casually:

"How did that Peterson project turn out?"

Real work: Can tell you details, outcome, resolution

Fake work: "Oh, fine" (can't remember what they supposedly worked on)

The 4Angles Analysis: Decode "Working Late" Texts

When they text about overtime, 4Angles reveals:

SIGNAL (Content Analysis)

What specific details are present (or missing)?

Identifies vague vs specific language
Shows detail consistency over time
Reveals if the story makes logical sense

OPPORTUNITY (Framing)

How are they presenting this "work"?

Spots proactive vs reactive communication
Identifies excuse patterns vs genuine updates
Shows defensive vs transparent framing

RISK (Deception Markers)

What are the red flags for dishonesty?

Flags inconsistent stories
Warns about pattern escalation
Identifies gaslighting responses
Shows changed behavior markers

AFFECT (Emotional Tone)

Do they sound like someone actually working?

Measures frustration vs enthusiasm
Tracks exhaustion vs energy
Identifies guilt compensation patterns
Shows if tone matches claimed activity

Paste their "working late" texts and see if the language matches legitimate overtime.

Real Example: Legitimate vs. Affair

✅ REAL OVERTIME

5:30 PM: "FYI - Thompson moved our deadline up to tomorrow. Going to be here late finishing the presentation. Probably 8-9ish?"

7:15 PM: "Still here. This is taking forever. How was your day?"

8:45 PM: "Finally done. So tired. Heading home now. Want me to grab takeout?"

Analysis:

✅ Specific project (Thompson, presentation)
✅ Time estimate + update
✅ Still engaged with you
✅ Sounds exhausted
✅ Eager to come home

❌ FAKE OVERTIME (AFFAIR)

6:15 PM: "Still at work. Going to be late."

You: "How late?"

8:30 PM: "Not sure. Busy."

You: "What are you working on?"

[Read at 8:32 PM, no response]

10:45 PM: "Finally leaving. Don't wait up."

Analysis:

❌ No specific details
❌ Reactive, not proactive
❌ Ignored your question
❌ Read but didn't respond
❌ Very late, no explanation

What "Working Late" Actually Means: The Statistics

According to infidelity research:

53% of affairs start with a coworker
36% of affairs happen during "overtime" hours
67% of cheaters cite "work" as their primary cover story

Why work is the perfect cover:

Built-in plausibility
Can't be easily verified
Establishes routine
Explains phone silence
Legitimate reason to see the person regularly

But the language patterns give it away every time.

When "Working Late" Is Actually Work

Not all overtime is an affair.

Legitimate reasons for increased hours:

New project with real deadline
Promotion to higher responsibility
Busy season (tax season, year-end close, etc.)
Actual work crisis (server down, client emergency)

How to tell it's real:

✅ Details are specific and consistent

✅ You can verify (call the office, see work product)

✅ Pattern matches actual business cycles

✅ They're frustrated, not energized

✅ Work product is visible

✅ No defensiveness about questions

✅ Returns when promised (or with updates)

What to Do When You Suspect the Lie

1. Document the Pattern

Write down:

Dates and times of "overtime"
Reasons given
Inconsistencies
Changed behavior

Why: Gaslighters will make you doubt yourself. Documentation keeps you sane.

2. Ask Direct Questions (Watch the Response)

"I've noticed you've been working late a lot. Can we talk about what's going on at work?"

Honest response:

"Yeah, it's been crazy. We got this new project..." [details follow, willing to discuss]

Dishonest response:

"Why are you interrogating me? You don't trust me?" [defensive, redirects to you]

3. Request Transparency

"I'm feeling disconnected from what's happening in your work life. Can you help me understand what you're working on?"

Real work: They'll happily explain

Fake work: They'll minimize and deflect

4. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, it probably is.

Research shows people detect deception at above-chance levels when they trust their instincts.

Your subconscious picks up on patterns your conscious mind might rationalize away.

The Hard Truth

If you're fact-checking their work schedule...

The relationship is already in trouble.

Even if they ARE working late:

You don't trust them
They're not communicating clearly
You're disconnected

Those problems exist regardless of infidelity.

The "working late" excuse is just a symptom of a bigger dysfunction.

Try It Now: Analyze Their "Work" Texts

Paste their overtime texts into 4Angles and see:

How specific vs vague the details are
What deception markers are present
Whether the pattern matches real work
If your suspicions are justified

Analyze work excuse texts free here →

The Bottom Line

Honest overtime has:

Specific details
Consistent stories
Verifiable elements
Tired, frustrated tone
Proactive communication

Fake overtime has:

Vague explanations
Shifting details
Defensive reactions
Energized tone
Reactive communication

The language tells you everything.

You just have to know how to read it.

Last updated: October 31, 2025

"Working Late" - How to Know If It's Really Work

The Text That Makes Your Stomach Drop

Why "Working Late" Is the Perfect Cover

The Language That Reveals Fake Overtime

1. Vague vs. Specific

2. Reactive vs. Proactive Communication

3. Consistent vs. Changing Stories

4. Tired and Annoyed vs. Energized

The Behavioral Patterns That Expose the Lie

1. Increased "Work" Frequency

2. Weekend and Off-Hours "Work"

3. Appearance Changes

4. Phone Behavior While "Working Late"

5. Coworker Knowledge

The Proof Patterns: What Honest Overtime Looks Like

✅ Legitimate Overtime Has:

The Red Flags: What Fake Overtime Looks Like

❌ Suspicious "Work" Has:

How to Test Your Theory (Without Violating Trust)

1. The Surprise Visit Test

2. The Calendar Check

3. The Coworker Mention

4. The Casual Work Question

The 4Angles Analysis: Decode "Working Late" Texts

SIGNAL (Content Analysis)

OPPORTUNITY (Framing)

RISK (Deception Markers)

AFFECT (Emotional Tone)

Real Example: Legitimate vs. Affair

✅ REAL OVERTIME

❌ FAKE OVERTIME (AFFAIR)

What "Working Late" Actually Means: The Statistics

When "Working Late" Is Actually Work

What to Do When You Suspect the Lie

1. Document the Pattern

2. Ask Direct Questions (Watch the Response)

3. Request Transparency

4. Trust Your Gut

The Hard Truth

Try It Now: Analyze Their "Work" Texts

Related Reading

The Bottom Line

Ready to Analyze Your Message?

"Working Late" - How to Know If It's Really Work

The Text That Makes Your Stomach Drop

Why "Working Late" Is the Perfect Cover

The Language That Reveals Fake Overtime

1. Vague vs. Specific

2. Reactive vs. Proactive Communication

3. Consistent vs. Changing Stories

4. Tired and Annoyed vs. Energized

The Behavioral Patterns That Expose the Lie

1. Increased "Work" Frequency

2. Weekend and Off-Hours "Work"

3. Appearance Changes

4. Phone Behavior While "Working Late"

5. Coworker Knowledge

The Proof Patterns: What Honest Overtime Looks Like

✅ Legitimate Overtime Has:

The Red Flags: What Fake Overtime Looks Like

❌ Suspicious "Work" Has:

How to Test Your Theory (Without Violating Trust)

1. The Surprise Visit Test

2. The Calendar Check

3. The Coworker Mention

4. The Casual Work Question

The 4Angles Analysis: Decode "Working Late" Texts

SIGNAL (Content Analysis)

OPPORTUNITY (Framing)

RISK (Deception Markers)

AFFECT (Emotional Tone)

Real Example: Legitimate vs. Affair

✅ REAL OVERTIME

❌ FAKE OVERTIME (AFFAIR)

What "Working Late" Actually Means: The Statistics

When "Working Late" Is Actually Work

What to Do When You Suspect the Lie

1. Document the Pattern

2. Ask Direct Questions (Watch the Response)

3. Request Transparency