Can A Person Who Lies A Lot Change?

Lying a lot is a pathology that within psychology It is called “mythomania”, This term derived from Greek refers to compulsive behavior for narrating fictional stories. People who lie a lot create one or multiple parallel realities in which they navigate. Over time, this disorder represents great psychological and emotional exhaustion for them, since, in addition to lying behavior, they must struggle with their conscience and constantly confront their lies.

Of course it is possible that a person who lies changes a lot. Like any other aspect of human personality, the lie can be modified and eliminated as part of the process of improvement and personal growth that occurs innately in all people.

For the attitudes of a lying person to change, it is crucial that they understand the motivations that lead them to lie. Seeking professional help, developing honest communication skills, and taking responsibility are essential components of this process. Although change requires time and continuous effort the possibility that a person who lies a lot will evolve towards a more authentic and honest life is a plausible reality.

Why do we lie according to psychology? The reasons why a person lies unnecessarily can be diverse and complex. Here we present the most common reasons for this behavior:

• Habit or pattern of behavior: Some people develop the habit of lying as a way to avoid facing the consequences of their actions, or to protect themselves from conflict.
• Low self-esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem may resort to lying as a strategy to impress others, or to feel better about themselves, creating a more favorable image of what they perceive as their reality.
• Need for approval: Those people who constantly seek the approval of others may lie to be perceived more positively or to avoid rejection. In this article you will find more information about What the need for approval is and how to eliminate it.
• Fear of consequences: Sometimes lying arises from fear of facing the consequences of the truth, whether due to fear of disappointment, punishment, or rejection.
• Lack of empathy: In some cases, a lack of empathy can lead a person to lie without considering the impact their lies may have on others.

In reality, as with any other psychological disorder, excessive lying becomes a defense mechanism related to the human survival instinct. As a result of specific past experiences, there are those who learn that lying makes them provides greater peace of mind and security than the truth These experiences condition them to use this resource as a tool to survive in their environment. From this article, we want to convey the firm belief that a person who lies a lot can change.

When in doubt about how to act with a person who lies a lot and does not change, the essential thing is to be patient and avoid any type of conflict that worsens the situation. Here are some suggestions on what you can do in this situation:

• Don’t feed the lie: avoid reinforcing lies. Don’t accept or ignore the lies, but don’t confront them aggressively either. Stay calm and approach the problem constructively.
• Set clear boundaries – Define boundaries and clearly communicate expectations regarding honesty. Let them know that trust is essential in the relationship and that lies can have consequences.
• Protect yourself: If the situation becomes unsustainable and the person shows no willingness to change, it is important that you consider your own emotional health. Sometimes the best option is to distance yourself to preserve your well-being.
• Set consequences: make the person aware of the consequences of their lies. This could include loss of trust, lack of opportunities and, in extreme cases, the possibility of ending the relationship.

Abruptly confronting a person about their lies could strengthen their defenses, increasing the likelihood that they will continue lying or even believe new lies. Instead, establish cordial relationships centered on truth, and showing fidelity despite the lies, can cause the person’s defensive barriers to begin to crumble. Upon becoming aware of the futility and complication associated with lying, the person may decide to abandon that behavior.

Remember that changing behavior patterns takes time, and the person in question may need internal motivation to stop lying. If the situation becomes unsustainable and negatively affects your life, take care of yourself and make decisions that promote your emotional well-being.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor 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.

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