Lying is a complex phenomenon that is usually associated with a clear motivation, hiding the truth or obtaining some benefit from it. However, when a person lies for no apparent reason, we wonder what motivates someone to make up stories or distort the truth when there is no need to do so?
In this Psychology-Online article we will explain why does a person lie unnecessarily. In addition, we will explore the motivations behind this behavior, discover what the people who practice it are called, and learn how to deal effectively with them.
There are different terms used to describe people who have a tendency to lie without apparent need. These terms help us understand and classify this particular behavior. Below we will explain some of the names used to refer to this type of person.
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mythomaniac: This term is used to describe people who have mythomaniac personality disorder. These people have a chronic and pathological tendency to lie compulsively, even in situations where there is no clear reason for doing so. Mythomania is characterized by the constant need to make up stories and exaggerate achievements to impress others and get attention.
- pseudologist: used to describe people who have a penchant for excessive and systematic lying. Pseudologists make up detailed and believable stories for no apparent reason. Unlike mythomaniacs, pseudologists may not have mythomaniac personality disorder, but they do have a predisposition to chronic deceitfulness.
- storyteller: Refers to people who have a tendency to frequently make up or exaggerate stories. These stories may be imaginative and detailed, but they lack any real foundation. Storytellers tend to tell these stories without a clear purpose and may do so to attract attention, feel more interesting, or escape uncomfortable situations.
- compulsive liar: This term encompasses all those people who have an innate inclination to lie compulsively, without a clear reason for doing so. Compulsive liars often lie automatically and without thinking about the consequences. This behavior occurs regardless of whether there is an obvious benefit or need for the lie.
In this article we explain How to help a compulsive liar.
There are several reasons why some people have a tendency to lie unnecessarily. Here are six possible reasons behind this behavior:
- They seek attention: Lying gives them a momentary sense of importance and can generate interest and curiosity in others.
- Insecurity and low self-esteem: Lying can also be used as a form of protection to hide perceived insecurities and shortcomings. By making up stories or exaggerating achievements, they try to build an image of themselves that matches their desires or expectations.
- Avoid negative consequences: In these cases, they may fear punishment, rejection, or conflict, and choose to distort reality to avoid facing unfavorable consequences of their actions or decisions.
- Need to fit in socially: through falsehoods, they try to build an image that they believe will allow them to be better accepted by others.
- Feeling of power and control: Unnecessary lying can give some people a sense of power and control over others. By manipulating reality, they feel in a position of superiority or take pleasure in deceiving others, which can feed their ego and increase their self-esteem.
- They want to escape from reality: They resort to lies as a way to escape from reality and create a fictional world where they feel more comfortable. Fantasy and invention provide them with an escape route from the difficulties or challenges they face in their daily lives.
If you want to know how to detect this type of people, you may be interested in reading How to detect a liar.
Dealing with a person who lies unnecessarily can be frustrating and complicated. However, there are effective strategies you can use to handle this situation in a healthier and more constructive way. Here are some tips for dealing with a person who lies unnecessarily:
- Keep calm: It is essential to remain calm and control your emotions when interacting with a person who lies unnecessarily. Avoid reacting impulsively or confrontationally, as this can escalate the conflict and make effective communication more difficult.
- Communicate assertively: Express your concerns clearly and assertively, without adopting an accusatory or aggressive tone. Focus on how their behavior makes you feel and the importance of trust and honesty in the relationship.
- set limits: It is important set clear boundaries and hold them firmly. If you find that the person is lying in a continuous or harmful way, consider setting healthy boundaries and maintaining emotional distance, if necessary, to protect yourself and preserve your well-being.
- Avoid feeding the lie: do not fall into the game of going along with the person's lies. Do not provide rewards or incentives for her deceptive behavior, as this could perpetuate her pattern of lies no need. Instead, focus your efforts on fostering honesty and transparency.
- seek support: If the person's behavior persists or causes you great emotional distress, consider seeking support from close friends or mental health professionals. A therapist or counselor can provide you with specific tools and strategies to deal with this situation more effectively.
- Fosters an environment of trust: Try to foster an environment based on trust and honesty in your interactions with that person. Establish open and respectful communication, and act as an example of the honest behavior you expect from others.
It is important to emphasize that, although we can help ourselves with these strategies, we do not have the power to change a person and that each individual is responsible for their own behavior. Always remember to prioritize your emotional well-being, consciously decide how you want to get involved with someone who lies unnecessarily and what is the level of relationship you want to maintain with that person.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
