Who has never lied in life? The answer to this question must be truthful and free of any kind of prejudice. After all, in one way or another, everyone has told a lie, even if it was to be kind and polite or to try to save someone from an embarrassing situation. But, how to know the limit between a big lie told that could harm another individual, and a lie told only to help someone in a difficult moment? Is it possible to understand why people lie and thus better analyze the reasons for the lies told? This is what we will analyze in this article.
Subtle differences between lying and insincerity
There is a subtle difference between telling a big lie and not being completely honest. In the first case, there may be several emotional and character problems involved, while in the second, perhaps the situation that the person is experiencing is what makes him not tell the truth. In general, individuals tend to lie because they don’t believe that other people around them won’t love and accept them as they really are.
Usually, people who lie a lot grew up in a family environment where they didn’t have the opportunity to express themselves in a way that could be accepted on their own merits. This explains why certain individuals lie for no apparent reason about their financial condition or their way of life. These people try to give the impression at all times that they are more important than they actually are because deep down they feel inferior to others in the social environment of which they are a part.
When lying becomes a habit
In modern society, in which people have to relate positively to both the individuals in their social life and their professional environment, sometimes telling small lies out of politeness and kindness can even be considered normal behavior. However, there is the compulsive liar, who for no reason usually lies, even with the intention of harming someone.
In this case, there may be a serious flaw in the character of the individual whose interaction could be harmful to other people around him. In other situations, the habitual liar may actually be the bearer of some type of psychic pathology, and the constant lies may be part of the symptoms that appear to the individual as delusions of his mind.
Do children often lie?
According to specialists in the field of early childhood education, children do not lie but fantasize about certain facts that they believe to be true. Up to a certain age, this behavior can be considered normal, but parents should be aware and check whether this phase lasts so that, guided by specialists, they can learn to deal with this situation.
It is always important to emphasize that children usually repeat the attitudes of their mother and father, so if those responsible have the habit of telling lies, they should not expect different behavior from children.
Final considerations
Understanding why they lie can be the first step for people to change this type of behavior and become sincere with others and with themselves.
By Salete Dias