I knew someone once, who would lie all of the time about insignificant things. Either to me, or friends, or to their spouse, and it made no sense to me. I always knew (or eventually would) when that person was being untruthful. Did they really think they were pulling one over on me? They’d have excuses for things or make up a story about something. I remember they’d lie to their spouse about what we were doing. We weren't even doing anything lie-worthy. Haha! And it wasn’t that this person was fearful, or being abused. They just felt that the lie “sounded better” than what we were actually doing, and they were trying to avoid confrontation or potential argument. I thought it was disrespectful and frankly, not safe. What if we were in a car accident or something? What if were somewhere and something bad happened?
Plainly put: Lying is dumb. Sounds pretty simple. Because it is. Here’s why I never lie, and why you shouldn’t either:
1. It’s morally wrong. We all know it.
2. It causes a lack of trust. Trust is something that takes time, and a lie can crush it in an instant. Trust can take you years to earn back, if ever. When you’re thinking of lying to someone you care about, ask yourself this: Is this lie really worth ruining my relationship with this person?
3. You have to remember the lies you tell. I have a terrible memory Ha! There’s less to remember if you just tell the truth. Most people can’t remember all of the details of their lie (or lies.) Eventually, you’ll get caught. Liars always do. Even if the person you’re lying to never confronts you, trust me, they know.
4. It’s dishonest and disingenuous. Lying affects your character and how people view you. It ruins your credibility, and before you know it, people will question everything from your work, your words, what you do, and your responsibilities.
5. It’s often hurtful to someone you care about. Is it worth it? Is hurting someone you supposedly like or love, really worth the lie or omission? Think again.
6. You’re on a sinking ship. Here’s what I mean: Inevitably, lies always become exposed. Always. It may not be that day you tell the lie or the next. It may not even get revealed for weeks or months. But somehow, someway, the universe has a way of righting the wrongs. And, the consequences could be severe. Plus, there’s this biggie: SOCIAL MEDIA. Someone, somewhere, some post, will give up your lie. Whether it’s through pictures, texts, messages, posts, or stalking other’s pages. You cannot escape that aspect of social media even you go completely off of it. Because OTHER people have phones, pictures, videos, etc., and may post things about you without your consent. Big brother is always watching.
Even though you may not always want to be truthful, or the truth may hurt someone, the lies are worse. Much, much worse. Don’t mistake this to mean that you should always speak your mind and opinions at every moment. There are kind and tactful ways to approach things, without lying or being abrasive or rude. It’s not always easy to be truthful. But, lying to those you care about often has terrible consequences.
Simple Life Lesson of the day: Don’t lie. It’ll keep you out of trouble.