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Updated 1 year ago,January 16, 2024
Why do people lie?
Deception comes in many forms, and lying is just one of them.
Meyer notes many of the tell-tale signs that someone is lying.
God & Man
Liars can display a cluster of symptoms which give them away.
A liar might constantly use qualifying phrases like, To tell you the truth or Honestly.
They may shake their head no even while saying yes.
They could parrot back the question theyre asked to stall for time as they come up with a story.
Or, they may even cry as a way to garner sympathy from the person theyre lying to.
Here are seven major reasons why people lie:
1.
They want to engage in impression management so that others perceive them in the best possible light.
A politician might fib about an extramarital affair so he can preserve his reputation for moral propriety.
Those withNarcissistic Personality Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder, for example, are known for their pathological lying.
They lie so you can deceive, to manipulate and for their own benefit.
For them, lying is something that satiates their sadistic need to be in control.
To protect a relationship or someone elses feelings.These types of lies are usually told to protect a significant relationship.
For example, a man may lie about cheating so his significant other does not break up with him.
These lies help to shield someone from accountability and may or may not be justifiable depending on the circumstances.
A potential job candidate might exaggerate her credentials and work experience to land that dream job.
To mitigate or evade conflict.According to psychologists, some liars deceive so you can avoidconflict and confrontation.
Or, a fearful student might lie about studying for an exam if he fears his teachers disappointment.
This form of lying is all about the end result.
Or when a dating partner lies to us about wanting a serious relationship just so that get laid.
The Chronic Liar
Not all lies are the same and not all liars are pathological.
Some lies are justifiable, while others arent.
Some are major, while others are minor.
Some are done with good intentions, while other lies are employed with malice.
Some lies pose irrevocable harm, while others actually prevent damage to the otherwise innocent.
Yet when used chronically, lying can lead to more than just deception.
But rather,what could I be losing?
