Why do people lie?
I always wonder why people lie? Why they lie on their marital status, why they lie about their age, about their occupation, about their whereabouts, about their family and everything else. When I give it a thought every person I have ever come across is a liar. They lied about not petty things like I'm busy, I'm on my way, I had my breakfast, and etc. They themselves are lies. What they create out of their life is a lie. Why?
Here's why,
To avoid negative consequences: People may lie to avoid punishment or negative consequences, such as getting in trouble, losing their job, or damaging their reputation.
To protect themselves or others: People may lie to protect themselves or others from harm or negative consequences, such as lying to cover up a crime or to protect someone's feelings.
To gain something: People may lie to gain something they want, such as money, power, or attention. This could include lying on a job application, exaggerating achievements, or making false promises.
To avoid embarrassment or shame: People may lie to avoid embarrassment or shame, such as lying about their qualifications or lying about their personal life to make themselves look better.
To fit in: People may lie to fit in with a particular social group or to avoid standing out. This could include lying about their interests, beliefs, or experiences to fit in with a certain crowd.
To manipulate or control others: People may lie to manipulate or control others, either for personal gain or to achieve a particular goal. This could include lying to get someone to do something for them or lying to make someone feel a certain way.
To cope with stress or anxiety: People may lie to cope with stress or anxiety, such as lying about their feelings or lying to themselves to avoid confronting difficult emotions.
Habit or compulsive lying: Some people may lie out of habit or as a compulsive behavior, often without any clear motivation or reason.
@Mylittlehappiness
This is interesting. It's a complex issue and there are many different reasons why people may choose to lie. As you've mentioned, some people lie to avoid negative consequences or to gain something they want, while others may lie to protect themselves or others, or to cope with stress or anxiety. đź’ś
It could be a combo of #4 and % but i find many i come across that lie...........
because far too many think someone or some thing is keeping score. the game of one-up man-ship.
social media is prime example huge whoppers of lies to gather "likes" ( score)
,,,,, example ...... lying about how much you paid for an item cause everyone else ( lies) seems to have gotten a better deal ....... salary same thing ...... what does it matter if you feel you are ok with job /salary .........but others want you to feel underpaid or undervalued ........
not just people .........but is systematic problem ....... businesses (groups of people agreeing to lie) for example that create a fake title for a simple job to make a person in job .......or applying feel more important etc.....
@Mylittlehappiness.... HELLO MYLITTLEHAPPINESS.....I DONT KNOW WHY PEOPLE LIE IT FRUSTRATING SOMETIMES TO ME TOO...
People lie because it's easier sometimes.
I'd be interested in an in-depth discussion on this topic.
Usually people who lie, think that the consequences won't matter. Or as you say, aren't aware at all of building a life out of a false foundation.
Since the effect of lies cannot be escaped, I feel that lying (for selfish gain) is a waste of time. With selfish lies, trust is broken. That cascades.
A lot of suffering is mostly unconsciously created. Sigh. Forgiveness is hard but achievable.
@Hapra
I agree there is alot to this topic and understanding it on a deeper level could be enlightening
especially when we can no longer seem to trust even those sworn to tele truth do it or how truth is twisted to fit views which IMO is the new form of lying .....