A family member thinks I am lying about where I am going but I'm not, what should I do?
252 Answers
Last Updated: 05/29/2022 at 6:19pm
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Top Rated Answers
First ask yourself where the mistrust is stemming from. Like why are they questioning you all the time and not believing your answers? Have you done something in the past to cause this feeling they are having? If not, they definetly have some sort of insecurity, if it is a parent or guardian they could be super overprotective, but then they may not let you go anywhere in the first place. All in all you can not stop people from thinking whatever they will think, if you are where you say you are then it really doesnt matter what others believe or disbelieve. Just enjoy your time out and ignore those who give you troubles about it. Tell them if they do not believe you that is their own problem not yours.
This sounds stressful and I've actually dealt with this in the past. Depending on how old you are, its important to set boundaries and allow trust to be built between you and your family members. Many times family members will worry about where you're going because of the problems that exist within the world.
To help establish trust, I would start by having a conversation, either casual or you can all sit down, and talk about what they expect from you. One thing you could potentially ask is if texting them when you arrive to your destination would help ease their mind. Another thing you could suggest is dropping your pin, if you have an IPhone, or sharing your location for a second. This can easily prove quickly that you are where you say you are.
Try and prove to them that you are trustworthy. For example, text/phone them when you get there. Take some pictures to prove to them. You could even ask them to pick you up to prove to them that you are where you said you would be. In the end, it is very hard to convince someone that you’re not lying. Think of reasons that they have to not trust you and resolve those issues. It takes a lot to convince someone of your innocence so try and work it out with your parents. Hopefully this help you to resolve any issues they have. :)
Anonymous
November 15th, 2020 12:04am
This is a frustrating situation. An easy way to gain your parents trust is to take pictures or even video message them once you get to your location. They will be able to see that you were not lying and slowly you will gain their trust. Another thing you can do is have them drop you off at the location, if that's a possibility. Don't be discouraged you're doing the right thing by telling the truth and soon your parents will acknowledge your honesty and issues between you guys will resolve.
P.S. Don't forget that communication is KEY, especially with parents.
Your whereabouts can be related to trust and concern about your safety from your family. Beloved ones may not be influenced solely by this family member statement. That is if they know they can trust you about where you are going. But, if it is proven in many cases that whenever you go out you are in danger or run the risk of being mistreated, then you need to start thinking about considering their worries. Make sure first that you yourself can rely on your own decisions. Then it will be natural to reassure beloved ones for their trust .
Anonymous
April 28th, 2021 5:23pm
It can be frustrating when you're telling the truth but someone in your own family doesn't believe you or is accusing you of lying. This can be especially distressing if you don't have a track record of being dishonest with them. While it isn't necessarily your job to allay the suspicions of others, sometimes it can seem like doing so will get them to come around and see things for what they are. If you want to go that route, offer to take them with you to where you are going. If that's not appropriate, you can offer them obvious evidence (pictures snapped live from where you are, souvenirs, receipts, tangible items, or the like) to show you are or were where you said you would be. However, be warned that going the route of using evidence to unravel their suspicions could cause the person to stick to their faulty beliefs. They may question why you're trying so hard to be believed or could even disregard your proof and "go with their gut feeling", even if it's incorrect. It's important to note that if they are really stuck on their assertion, there is nothing you can do that will convince them (and it's not your responsibility to). Another option is to simply ask them what it is that makes them feel you are lying. Their answer may reveal an easy fix. For instance "I think you're lying because you said you were going to the gym, but you didn't have to shower when you got home, so it's obvious you weren't there" gives you the chance to clarify that you were going there for a swim, or showered at the gym, or were going just to renew your membership. In other words, if you get to the root of their disbelief, you can likely solve the whole issue. Asking them why they think you're lying gives you the chance to clear up any misunderstandings about what's going on, and that might make them more comfortable. Best of luck!
Usually, parents think their child is lying about some place they're going because they have in the past. I was guilty of being a compulsive liar as a kid as well, it would be best to ease their mind by assuring them you are indeed going where you say you are and ensure to them, you're going to provide proof once you arrive. I know it can be frustrating to not be believed when you are telling the truth, but trust is to be earned. I'm sure you will earn their's eventually. The frustration you feel is very much temporary and remind yourself your parents are only looking out for you.
Anonymous
May 29th, 2021 2:01am
I'm sorry to hear that your family member thinks that you are lying about what is going on. You need to understand that you are doing the right thing by speaking the truth. You can't be yourself up by doing the right thing it is not your fault how other people perceive you. As long as you tell the truth that's all that matters. You have to put yourself first and know that you are being truthful. Maybe you need to find out what is going on with that family member because they may have it on issues going on
Try to explain to them that you are being completely honest and that there is no need for you to lie about it. Explain your plan, who all are going to be there and when you would be back. Ask them to talk to a friend's parent if they want to actually confirm and give a fellow friend's phone number just in case you won't be able to pick up your phone. In the end just calmly explain how them not trusting you makes you feel, it could be sadness or disappointment or anything, but let them know how it makes you feel, communication is key.
Anonymous
August 5th, 2021 5:57am
If you have done something in the past which made them feel like that then please clear it out. Explain them that you are actually going to where you said you were and that you aren't lying about it. A good face-to-face talk always helps! You can tell them about where you're going and what is the reason you are going there. I'm sure they will understand. Although if you haven't done anything like that in the past then ask that family member, why they think so and communicate with them more about this issue. I hope this helps!
From personal experience, I have had this issue a lot. Trust is the big thing in this situation. Something that helped me is going to the place and sending proof to that family member that you are where you say you are. This built a lot of trust in my family where they trust me believe me. I think this would be a great step for you and would help the relationship you have with that person. Once you got their trust, everything starts to come together and makes everyone happy and feel trusted. I hope this helps you.
Lack of communication may be a problem. Please sit with your family member and try to explain the situation calmly. Make sure that both of you are ready to listen to each other's concerns at the time of the talk. And please remember that you both are on the same side and the problem is on the other side. Try to find some common grounds. Sometimes our parents and relatives are just concerned about us. Try to know the root of this problem and ask questions regarding it. Reassure them if they have some concerns. I hope this helps. Thank you
A way to deal with this would be to possibly as the family member what is motivating him to have these thoughts. Why does he believe you are lying? Have you given him reason in the past to doubt you? mention that his doubt of your integrity is upsetting and you don't appreciate it, and you would rather he put his trust in you rather than placing you in a negative light unfoundedly. Possibly invite the family member to join you to prove that you are going where you say you are. Suggest that you have no reason to lie, am an independent person who is capable of making your own decisions.
Anonymous
May 29th, 2020 4:39pm
It is great that you are being honest with your parents. Unfortunately, it sounds like they do not completely trust you. It is important to build a relationship of trust and openness between you and your loved ones. By building trust in other aspects of your life, hopefully they will also believe that you are being honest about your comings and goings. Another way to achieve this, if you feel comfortable, is to share your location with them when you are going out. This way, they know that you are safe and are in the location that you indicated. If this feels too invasive, periodic texts or phone calls checking in with them can also go a long way.
Well, i think a good starting point would be to try and talk to the said family member and see what reason they have to think you are lying. Then if if possible try to put there mind at ease, work out a way that can allow them and yourself to be comfortable.. Maybe this could be just a simple form of someone showing you they are scared but not going about it the right way. If all else fails maybe jump on and speak to a listener and see if they can help you think of a strategy.
Anonymous
April 10th, 2020 9:12pm
Promise to call them when you get there, or send them a picture of where you are when you go. Promise that if they aren't comfortable with it, you'll send them your location and they can pick you up, I know it's the hardest thing to do, but it will give you a chance to prove that you're responsible and loyal to your word. You could also try offering them to drive you their and update them every hour or every 2 hours of where you are. It has always worked with me and my parents. Just don't break their trust. :)
Anonymous
April 16th, 2020 9:09pm
Examine inside you why their opinion matters. Examine and get an awareness of what effect and impact their opinion has on you. Communicate to them the effect that their lack of trust has on you. Aim to talk about why they do not trust you. Understand that the situation may not change even with your best efforts. Be prepared to accept that they may not change their attitude. Find inside you what is important to you - keep doing what you will, or modify your behaviour to make them happy? Do what is important to you. It may mean making them unhappy. Be prepared to live with the conflict.
Anonymous
April 24th, 2020 4:05am
In my opinion, firstly, you can explain it to your family, and if it is possible, you can give them some proofs to show you are not lying. If they still don't trust you, you can also go the place you are going to with them. You can also try communicating with them more and more, it may be more helpful. By the way, if you have a friend or someone who can help you to prove yourself. Anyway, you can find many methods to let them trust you. Anyway, it depends on yourself. Just trust you can do it.
Anonymous
May 1st, 2020 4:20am
Interesting question. This is actually a very common phenomenon that many of my friends and I have gone through. The simple answer is trust. Perhaps there was one time when you were not truthful and your family member applies that one time to every time. It also does not matter how long ago it was (the lie), at least in my experience.
A good first step is to get to the bottom of their thought. Make sure you try to communicate with them to find out why they think you are lying about where you are.
Next it is important that you show your willingness to build their trust. When you do go out, maintain communication and call or text them your location. You can also share your location on your phone if it has that feature for the first couple of times to just build trust.
Once they slowly start believing you, progress from sharing your location to just a simple text indicating your location.
Eventually, they will trust you are not lying, and everything will return to normal. Just be aware that one "slip-up" or a small lie could take you back to square one.
All the Best.
P.
Anonymous
May 1st, 2020 5:12am
That's must be hard, you can let them talk to witness, like a coworker, colleague, or a friend. You could try also have an honest conversation with this person and identify why they don't believe you. It could because of they catched you laying to them before, or someone lied to them and they developed trust issue. And it is also depends on your behavior and kind of places you go to, and kind of friends you hang out with. A lot of various reasons, so the best selution in this case to set down with this person, talk to them honestly, try to figure out a selution together. I know it is hard to not having trust between the one family members, especially between the parents and children and we should be careful of not hurting this trust, and try always to improve it.
I understand that must be hard how is that making you feel? I think you know you are family more than me what do you think is the best thing to do in this situation? I think having disagreements with family can make you very upset and it is frustrating which is why being at peace with family members is always kind of therapeutic. It can be hard for the family member too I’m sure they are just worried about you hence why all the suspicion, it is however not nice of them to think think that you are lying
You could always share your location when you reach the place you're going to via any messaging app. Otherwise, you could take a picture of yourself in that place with whoever you're going to be with or even if you're alone and send it to that family member.
While that family member should trust you, sometimes a show of faith is always helpful. Alot of the times they just want your safety, by doing this you're showing them that you're being safe and most definitely no lying.
I would find out why that particular family member believes that you are lying. Were there situations in the past where you lied and they caught you in a lie? If not, when you get to your destination, have that person call the family member and say that he/she is with you at the present moment. When that happens, then the family member will know that you are not lying and start rebuilding trust again with you. It may take a few times to prove that you're honest to this family member. If that doesn't fix the problem then this family member has a problem with lying. It could be that this family member is projecting onto you because he/she lies. That's a real possibility. Trust is difficult to prove.
You could try figuring out your family member's reasoning as to why he or she believes that you are being deceitful; was there a misunderstanding in the past that led them to distrust you or is there anything else that is going on? Figuring this out and sorting out the issue with your family member may solve the problem altogether. If that doesn't seem to work, you could try to offer proof that you're being honest about where you go. I wouldn't suggest making this a habit, since you deserve at least a little privacy. Offering proof may ease their concerns at first, though.
Try to earn their trust, tell them where you are going and if they don't believe you, you can tell them whith who you're going and give them the number of that person so they can call you there and you can prove you're with them. If need be send them a video or picture from where you say you will be and also with any of the people that you say you will be with. If the venue where you will be has a phone give them the number (or they can look it up and if they really want could call you there)
Anonymous
June 14th, 2020 6:55pm
A family is usually the most secure place for any person and so is it for me also. I may be reluctant but I will reach out the member and talk it out. I'm sure they'll listen to me and understand that I was never lying. Its very important to talk and discuss any misunderstanding or misconception. And talking is the biggest source of relief for anyone. Be it a family member or a friend or anyone for the matter of fact , talk it out , share things , discuss it and get it out of you for things to be better and for you to feel the same and spread the same.
Communication is one of the best avenues towards building trust in a family. When you are going out, explicitly state where you are going and with whom. If the problem persists, have a chat with this family member about why they don't trust you and what worries they might have for you and your safety. Ask questions and be open minded as they explain what's on their mind. Parents and relatives worry about us just as much as we worry about them when we're older. When they are done speaking, explain how you feel and ask them what you can do to gain more trust from them.
I would suggest sitting down with them and initiating a conversation. There are many questions that you ask, a main one being 'why do you think I am lying', you then have the opportunity to give your response. Family members often only want the best for us and maybe they want to protect you and this is their reasoning for not wanting you going out and not trusting you. I know how difficult this must be, being accused of something that you haven't done is difficult. A conversation is essential to finding a solution. Remember - doing have this conversation when emotions are running high because this will lea to people saying things that they do not mean!
This has happened to me before with my mom. I found it easiest to let her track my phone so she would always know where i was. This is also helpful in case I was in an accident and was not able to call out for help she would know where i was.
Its totally fine , I know exactly what you’re going through and it’s not easy having them not believe you. I actually experienced this earlier on in my days in school when I said I went for a particular program but they didn’t always believe me and thought I was lieing, it bothered me a lot and I didn’t like it one bit but I found my way about and they started believing me . The fact you believe yourself and you’re genuinely telling the truth is what really matters. What do you think is best for you to do for them to believe you ?
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