When someone says “I don’t believe you,” it can be annoying and even hurtful. Here are 30 responses you can use next time it happens to you.
These range from playful comebacks to more assertive replies depending on the situation and relationship you have with the person. I decided to compile this list after a friend recently doubted something I said, which made me feel both irritated and stung.
If you want even more clever, funny, and bold responses to pull out next time your honesty and integrity gets challenged, read on.
30 Responses to “I Don’t Believe You”
Before sharing examples of funny, witty, and savage ways to respond when challenged, here is some context around why people may say this in the first place.
- People have trust issues from past experiences of being lied to
- They have preconceived notions or make false assumptions
- It’s a form of teasing or joking around
- They doubt you have certain capabilities or talents
With this background in mind, tailor your response appropriately after considering why it was said.
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“Wait, so you think I just made that up?” Feign shock and put the responsibility back on them to explain their doubt.
“I promise – scout’s honor!” Say this even if you were never a scout.
“You caught me. I hired actors and fabricated evidence just to trick you.” Sarcastically admit to an absurd scheme.
“I have no reason to lie about this.” Calmly reaffirm your honesty if it was an unfair accusation.
“You don’t know me well enough to make that judgement.” Set boundaries if it came from someone you barely know.
“Need me to take a lie detector test?” Call out their doubt in an exaggerated way.
“Do you really think I’d make something like this up?” Have them reflect on how realistic it is.
“Stop being so suspicious and just trust me!” Say lightly if a friend is prone to skepticism.
“I promise on [something that matters to you].” Reassure them in a solemn way.
“You’re hurting my feelings by not believing me.” Appeal to their emotions if it’s someone close who should know you well.
“I mean this in the nicest way possible, but get over yourself.” Bluntly tell someone with a big ego that the world doesn’t revolve around them.
“Maybe you’re just jealous.” Suggest insecurity on their part if it seems like that may be the underlying issue.
“I guess you had to be there.” Shrug it off if it sounds far-fetched to anyone who didn’t witness it.
“Do you think I’m a liar or something?” Put them on the spot to explain why they’d make that assumption about your character.
“You’re free to believe whatever you want.” Take the high road and refuse to get defensive.
“Don’t believe everything you think.” Cast doubt back on them missing key context or jumping to conclusions.
“I’m not going to argue with you about this.” Shut down having to justify or prove yourself.
“It’s true whether you believe it or not.” Succinctly state that their opinion doesn’t change the facts.
“Trust me or don’t, no sweat off my back!” Make it clear you don’t actually care what they think.
“Think what you will…” Trail off, shrug, and move on with confidence.
“You’re being ridiculous right now.” Call out strange stubbornness over something benign.
“Don’t be so quick to judge before you have all the facts.” Caution them against limited thinking.
“Frankly, I don’t need your approval or permission to know my own experience.” Assert that it’s valid with or without their stamp.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Patronize their need to deny your reality.
“I’d prove it to you, but I wouldn’t want to embarrass you when you turn out to be wrong.” Taunt their certainty and dare them to reconsider.
“Sorry, stopped listening when you said ‘I don’t believe you.'” Pretend to tune them out entirely in a cheeky display.
“Is there some reason I seem untrustworthy?” Put the accountability back on them to explain this belief.
“I guess the truth is stranger than you realize.” Reaffirm that just because it sounds unlikely doesn’t make it false.
“Your face right now…priceless!” Crack up laughing if you can tell they know deep down you’re actually right.
“I forgive you for not believing me.” Take the high road and be the bigger person.
Also Read: 30+ Ways To Respond To “I Don’t Deserve You”: Flirty, Witty And Savage Responses
Funny Responses
Getting accused of lying can be frustrating. But in some cases, the best comeback is actually…no comeback at all! Lean into humor to diffuse tension or awkwardness when someone doubts you.
Laughter creates connection. It reminds the other person you’re on the same team. Try one of these 10 amusing reactions next time someone insists they don’t believe you:
10 Funny Responses to “I Don’t Believe You”
Burst out laughing uncontrollably. Wiping your eyes dramatically will really sell it!
In a sarcastic tone, say “riiiight” while rolling your eyes exaggeratedly.
With faux suspicion, ask “Are you secretly filming me right now for a hidden camera show?”
Put your hand over your heart in mock offense and tell them “I am WOUNDED!”
Pretend to start tearing up and whimper “But but but it’s true!” in an baby voice.
Pull out your phone and pretend to dial while saying “Let me call the credibility police on you real quick!”
Place a hand gently on their shoulder, give them a look of grave concern, and whisper “It’s going to be okay…” before walking away without explaining.
Tell them firmly “I do not have to stand here and take this slander!”…then stand there silently waiting for their reaction.
With exaggerated puppy dog eyes, whimper “You…you don’t trust me?” and watch them squirm.
Pretend to examines their scalp closely before declaring “Hmm, I don’t see a private investigator certificate up there…”‘
Also Read: How to Respond to “You Have Beautiful Eyes”: 30+ Flirty, Witty And Savage Responses
Savage Shut Downs
If subtle humor doesn’t make the point crystal clear, sometimes you just have to get savage!
Don’t tolerate accusations from people who should know better. Dish it right back with these snappy comebacks:
10 Ways to Savagely Shut Down “I Don’t Believe You”
“I don’t remember asking if you did.” A classic reminder that their opinion wasn’t requested.
“Need me to let your eyes adjust before revealing anything else new?” Oooh, BURN! Imply their narrow thinking can’t handle more.
Ask “Wait, are you calling me a liar?” and let them dig their grave even deeper.
“Must be exhausting being this cynical all the time, huh?” Nail them for their doubtful attitude.
“Were you there? No? Then case closed.” If they have zero facts, treat their stance as irrelevant.
“Frankly when I want your opinion on my life, I’ll ask for it.” Ouch, set some boundaries!
“I wasn’t aware you were appointed judge, jury and executioner.” Remind them they don’t determine verdicts on your experiences.
Use sarcasm: “You caught me. I stayed up all night crafting an elaborate ruse just to trick you.”
“Your face right now screams ‘I have trust issues and make assumptions.'” Analyze their reaction oh-so-astutely.
“I don’t need to prove anything to you.” Stand confident in your truth with total conviction.
Also Read: How to Respond to “XOXO”: 30+ Flirty, Witty And Savage Responses
On the flip side, alleging deception when none exists erodes relationships. Assume good intent until someone definitively gives you reason not to.
10 Best Editor-Approved Responses
When facing unfair skepticism, tread carefully to avoid burning bridges or damaging trust.
See below the 10 graceful yet assertive replies our editorial team recommends for defending your honor while taking the high road.
1. Kill Them With Kindness
Respond to rudeness with radical kindness. Say
“You know what, you’re right, I have no way to prove it. Let’s talk about something else!”
Refusing to retaliate makes it impossible for things to escalate.
When to use: With friends prone to judgment or family members quick to undermine you. Saves the relationship.
When NOT to use: If the person regularly crosses lines and takes advantage of your good nature. Could encourage future poor behavior.
2. Make a Joke Out of It
Use humor to subvert tension when accused of stretching the truth. For example, laugh and reply
“What can I say, my life is so interesting people think I make stuff up!”
When to use: When a lighthearted friend or co-worker doubts you. Allows both parties’ dignity.
When NOT to use: With anyone abusive or manipulative. Avoid breezily laughing off mistreatment or aggression.
3. Clarify Confusion
If there’s potential they misunderstood, politely explain yourself again.
“I can see the confusion, but to clarify…”
restate your original point. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
When to use: With close friends who ordinarily believe you. Allows for reconciliation.
When NOT to use: When dealing with a true liar alleging deception to divert attention/guilt. Don’t let them distort reality.
4. Agree to Disagree
You don’t need to see eye-to-eye on everything with people.
“You’re entitled to feel how you do and I stand by my experience.”
Maintains mutual respect.
When to use: During conflicts on subjective issues without absolute right/wrong answers. Lets everyone retain dignity.
When NOT to use: With a boss/authority figure so facts get obscured. Stick to defending truth for proper decisions.
5. Delay the Debate
If someone doubts you in front of others, wait to address it privately. Say
“Let’s talk about this later one-on-one.”
Avoids embarrassing anyone.
When to use: Any public challenge where reputations are at stake. Prevents collateral damage.
When NOT to use: One-on-one conversations. Speak candidly to resolve the root issue in real time.
6. Agree to Providing Proof
If claims seem far-fetched, offer evidence.
“I’d be happy to show you the paperwork later.”
Proactively silencing concerns.
When to use: With reasonable people open to changing their minds. Opportunity for growth.
When NOT to use: When boundaries are crossed demanding private information. Protect rights and set limits.
7. Turn the Tables
Flip scrutiny back on the challenger.
“If you’re so sure I made it up, prove it. I’ll wait…”
Puts ball in their court.
When to use: Against bullies making vague, unsubstantiated accusations. Exposes groundlessness.
When NOT to use: With abuse victims conditioned to lie. Compassion, not confrontation, helps heal trauma.
8. Set Future Expectations
For repeat offenders, tell them
“If you ever again say you don’t believe me, this relationship is over.”
Draw clear boundaries.
When to use: With toxic people you choose to keep in your life. Makes needs unambiguous.
When NOT to use: Prematurely or arbitrarily as an overreaction. Should reflect pattern of mistreatment.
9. Walk Away Wordlessly
Silently walking away sends a powerful message that you refuse to engage with someone who doesn’t respect you.
When to use: When dealing with a pathological or compulsive liar trying to manipulate. Disempower their game.
When NOT to use: In professional settings where quitting a conversation too soon seems dismissive. Optics matter.
10. Kill Them With Confidence
Chin up, give a knowing smile, and smoothly reply
“Believe what you want…” as you go on your merry way.
When to use: Pretty much anytime with strangers or people whose opinions don’t deeply impact you. Saves energy.
When NOT to use: Be more tactful with VIPs like bosses or family. Preserve diplomacy where possible.
Now that you’ve got an arsenal of retorts, remember—just because someone questions your version of reality doesn’t necessarily make you or them right/wrong. Seek first to understand and compromise when feasible. You’ve got this!
How to Reply to a Girl Who Says “I Don’t Believe You”
Women tend to analyze why someone makes a dubious claim before reacting. When a female friend or partner doubts you, appeal to her empathy.
Reframe it as miscommunication versus deception. She’ll likely give you the benefit of doubt if your intentions seem good.
5 Ways to Respond When a Girl Says She Doesn’t Believe You
Remain calm and ask thoughtful follow-up questions to uncover her underlying thought process or confusion.
If it was an innocent misunderstanding, apologize for the unclear messaging and reexplain yourself more clearly.
Suggest you both lacked certain context. Say “I can see why you’d question that without knowing X, Y, Z details.”
If she deems something improbable, offer evidence that it is possible or even common in reality.
Propose a constructive compromise or way to rebuild trust going forward.
How to Reply to a Guy Who Says “I Don’t Believe You”
Men often react quicker than women, rapidly reaching definitive black-and-white conclusions. With less emotion tied up in their assertions, logical debate can persuade them to at least consider alternate angles.
When doubts arise, share additional matter-of-fact context to bring them around to your perspective.
5 Ways to Respond When a Guy Says He Doesn’t Believe You
“What specifically makes you say that?” Have him articulate exact reasons he thinks you’re lying.
“I can understand why it seems unlikely, but consider…” Present step-by-step credible logic that led to this perceived implausibility.
Ask him to play Devil’s Advocate – debate it from your point of view to realize it’s not so far-fetched.
If his stance relies on inaccurate assumptions, provide counter evidence to disprove those fallacies.
Offer to explain the backstory in more detail later when you have time for a deeper dive.
In Closing
At the end of the day, being told “I don’t believe you” stings no matter who it comes from or why they said it. It can dent your self-confidence and make you second guess sharing freely.
But in many cases, the other person’s distrust says more about their worldview than your credibility. So stand firm in your truth with compassion.
The examples throughout this article illustrate a spectrum – from lighthearted wisecracks to stern boundaries – for dealing with skepticism about your honesty.
Choose wisely based on the accused offense, relationship dynamics, and person’s temperament. Just remember: you deserve to feel heard and believed!