How can I stop being a compulsive liar?

I believe the one of the reasons we lie is because we are insecure in ourselves and we are afraid of people knowing the truth even if its not that big of a deal. Becoming more truthful and honest with yourself, will help with telling others lies.

That’s a tough one. Lies beget lies. It becomes a vicious cycle. For me I had to have an “ah-hah” moment which was getting caught in multiple lies and theft. Since then I’ve gone to almost the opposite extreme. I’m very VERY honest. But the compulsion to lie hits us all from time to time. As soon as it hits ask yourself why do I want to lie? First step to solving this problem (since you already recognized you have one) is knowing the triggers. What is it that makes you want to lie? Acceptance? Fear of ridicule? Fear of punishment? Etc. even keeping a diary may help so you can understand your pattern and begin to curtail it. Eventually, as with most things Like this, you may have to bring yourself to admit some uncomfortable things to salvage friendships or even just have closure. And don’t forget to recognize when you do a good job, avoid lying or set things straight. It isn’t an easy thing to master.

You’re using lying as a defense mechanism. Maybe you’re afraid people won’t like you for the person you really are. But you’re a unique person and you should embrace your individual features. Embrace who you are as you are

Start telling the truth. Even if it seems like it’s something small and unimportant, it will start building on itself.

by doing exercises everyday where you receive a gift if you are able to tell the truth without struggling

People who lie compulsively are encouraged to seek the help of a qualified therapist. A therapist can help habitual liars understand their condition and the way it affects other people. They may also reveal underlying diagnoses such as bipolar or ADHD. In these cases, a therapist will likely treat all a person’s issues in tandem. References: American Psychological Association. APA concise dictionary of psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2009. Print. Birch, C. D., Kelln, B. R. C. & Aquino, E. P. B. (2006). A review and case report of pseudologia fantastica. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 17(2), 299-320. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (5th ed.). (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association. Dike, C. C. (2008, June 1). Pathological lying: symptom or disease. Retrieved from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/pathological-lying-symptom-or-disease

When we lie, it is usually out of defense. Perhaps we lie because we don't want to be made fun of; in the past if we told the truth we were humiliated. Perhaps we lie because we feel unsafe telling the truth; in the past if we told the truth we were abused or ignored. There is a part of you who feels they have to lie to protect you. They still believe that they are stuck in the past, constantly facing abuse, neglect, or ridicule. Bring them into the present and help them understand that you can protect yourself, even if it means being honest with those around you. Find other ways to make yourself feel safe and process trauma. It is difficult now, but it will improve your relationships and your ability to function!

The best way to avoid being a compulsive liar is to identify why you feel the need to lie and address that issue. If you understand why you feel the need to lie, it will be easier to stop lying.

Take it one day at a time. Start out small and don't feel too defeated if you fall a few times. When you catch yourself about to lie, stop and think about it. Remind yourself that you are self motivated and can stop lying if you are really determined to do so. Its never too late to begin again.

To stop being a compulsive liar, you have to first realize that the problem exists and is indeed a problem.