How to Stop Lying So Much

You Lie Like a Rug! Yes it's true, people lie, and they lie a lot. Not everyone lies like Bernie Madoff, or Bill Clinton (lied under oath) but they lie here and there. We call them white lies to make them sound a little less offensive.

In today's society we are trained to lie. Don't believe me? The next time your wife asks you how she looks, go ahead and tell her the truth. Let me know how it goes. (don't worry babe, this is for other guys who's wives don't look hot 24 hours a day).

If you think about it honestly, you will be able to come up with plenty of lies you have told in the last 48 hours. These are not the lies I am worried about, but they are still worth addressing.

The lies we should all worry about are the ones that can cause a lot of damage.

Gossip is the leading culprit. We all know someone who is always good for a little dirt, right? Gossip might make for good drama on tv and everyone loves a little celebrity gossip, but gossip at work, church, school, or home can be devastating.

Another widespread plague in today's world, is the lack of accountability. People lie about this all of the time. From the time we are little, with "the dog ate my homework" we are quick to point out that it wasn't me. Even if and especially when it was.

The problem with lying is that we can do it to ourselves. Have you ever seen the lady who wears a mini skirt while sporting a huge pair of cottage cheese legs? Or the old guy with a comb over that he has been growing for 25 years? Tell me you think they are being honest with themselves!

Do yourself a favor and take a minute to think of when and why you lie. If you can get this under control you will feel better about yourself, and others will like you a lot more. After all, usually people can already tell that you are a liar.

Read below for few tips on how to stop lying so much!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know what a lie is. A lie is anything said or unsaid with the intent to deceive. The more you understand the truth the more you will avoid telling lies.

2. 
    

   Start with yourself. The person we lie to most is ourself, so start here and try to be honest with yourself.

3. Pick a starting line. You can't change over night, so don't lie to yourself by saying, 'I'm never going to lie again'. If you have a problem with gossip (even if your sure a rumor is true, your probably wrong) then start from there. Think of a few things to talk about so when the chance to gossip comes up, you can change the subject smoothly.

4. 
    
   Bernie Madoff

   Don't do dumb things. The fewer dumb things you do, the less you will be tempted to lie. This one is obvious but turns out to be tough to apply.

5. Keep deadlines and follow rules. One of the biggest place for lies, is work. When the boss comes and ask you if you have read the report, you say yes no matter what. You know you are going to say yes, so just read the darn report. The harder you work and the more you do the less you will have to lie about.

6. Know when to quit. When you get caught in a lie just admit it. Nothing is more annoying than the guy who everyone knows is lying but sticks to his ridiculous story no matter what. Remember how everyone lies a little? Its true, so when you get busted people will have a little sympathy, as long as you admit it.

7. Set the bar low. This might sound dumb, but it is true. If you are beginning a relationship whether its professional or personal, let people know you are human. We always try to sound like we are perfect and then we have to lie later to keep up the image. Under promise and over deliver.

Tips & Warnings

• This takes guts so take it easy on yourself if you still slip here and there!
• If you have any big lies going at work, you may need to see them through. Don't get yourself fired!
• If you have any big lies going in a relationship, get them out in the open right away if you want it to last!

[woodzoo09]

on 12/15/2009 Very interesting article! 5* and Rec'd

[bahr94]

on 12/8/2009 There are no PROS in Lying, cause then you will have to lie about your lie, then lie to cover up the other lies, and before you know it you told 10 more lies just to cover up a lie. Its no good. great article. 5 stars. & rec.

[Mzcash]

on 11/12/2009 This is one of my pet peeves and I have nailed it in my children's head not to lie.Excellent 5*

[paigeannecarter]

on 11/7/2009 How to stop lying so much is really a fact of life that we must get rid off! Would'nt life be so much better and simpler if we just tell the truth, and we ourselves should also learn to accept the truth and not lie to ourselves, too! 5*

[abejareina1989]

on 11/4/2009 I really like how you write. Another 5 stars/rec