If you find yourself frequently telling lies, you may be wondering if this is something to be worried about.
Common Reasons People May Lie
When we lie, we are telling an intentionally false statement. There are many reasons why people lie. In some cases, people may not even realize they are lying. Whether you lie a bit or at a rate that feels concerning, it may be a good idea to analyze why you are lying. Understanding why we lie is important to know if there is reason for concern.
Reasons for lying can include:
- Controlling someone else to get something such as money or favors
- Covering up their bad behavior
- Avoiding embarrassment
- Self-preservation
- Trying to avoid hurting another person’s feelings
- Seeking attention or approval
Average Lying vs. Compulsive Lying
When an average person lies they usually have a specific reason for lying. Compulsive or chronic liars are not necessarily attempting to gain anything with their lying behaviors and will lie regardless of the position they are in and for no real reason. For a person with an issue of compulsive lying, their need to manipulate the truth becomes comforting to them. Being honest can feel strenuous and troublesome leading them to feel more at ease telling a lie.
Can lying be a sign of another issue?
Lying can be a sign of underlying issues, such as a lack of self-confidence, fear of not being accepted, or a need to be perfect. It can also be a sign of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. That said, lying is a common behavior, and it’s important to remember that not all lies are indicative of a bigger problem.
Working with a Therapist on Lying
People who lie tend to have other identifiable mental health issues; such as social anxiety, low self-esteem, and sometimes personality disorders. With this being said, it may be beneficial to speak to a therapist. A therapist can help you to identify the root cause of your lying and provide you with strategies to manage it. They can also help you to develop better coping mechanisms, improving your self-esteem, and can help to address any underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to your behavior.
Evaluating the Risk of Lying
Until you are able to schedule with a therapist, you can start changing your behavior by being honest with yourself and tolerating the distress of being honest with others. It will feel difficult to tell the truth after lying for so long; be kind to yourself, be patient, and understand that you are working to change your habits.
Register for our newsletter to get notified when we post new resources.
