According to a 1996 study, college students tell two lies a day while an adult, once a day. The same study states that people lie more often on the phone. I’m not surprised why we cringe each time someone calls at 9 PM asking for a donation.
I don’t know why some people like to peddle lies when it’s so much easier to tell the truth. Some people on the streets, colleagues at work, or “dignified men and women” in different levels of authority like to massage facts and invent stories.
It’s straightforward. When you tell the truth, you don’t have to hide anything; you don’t have to worry what to say next or whether you’re going to get caught. You don’t agonize that others will soon find out who you are or what you’re made of.
But why lie?
In general, people deceive others to gain something of value or take advantage of the situation. Others want to elevate their status, protect their awful decisions, hide from neighbors’ wrath, and disown their bad judgment.
And some just want to defend themselves from harm and scrutiny, get monetary reward, and save their faces.
The sad truth is honest people can be dishonest and some dishonest citizens tell the truth. Life can be confusing! Because of this, how do you identify lies and liars in our midst?
Inconsistency
Liars may be smart but they’re not smart enough to cover up all their lies. When they talk, it’s typical to hear many versions of the same story — one exaggeration is added to the next fabrication. They can’t remember what version of the “truth” they tell others so they sound inconsistent. With their conflicting tale, they confuse others even as they appear confused themselves.
Also, their false statements are not consistent with their actions. They say one thing and yet they act contrary to what they say. For example, your husband tells you that he didn’t drink alcohol that evening and yet he staggers around while trying to walk to the bedroom.
Third-party information
Liars think that they can effortlessly trick those who know the truth. They deny previous statements, hide earlier misdeeds, and manipulate facts for their convenience.
Unknown to them, their friends and neighbors can effortlessly separate fact from fiction and distinguish reality from fantasy.
Whether we like it or not, truth crawls and invades the hearts and minds of most caring, conscientious people. Once planted and cultivated, truth grows and bears fruit. By then, no amount of falsity can reverse it.
Facts
Facts can now be verified in a few seconds. Through e-mail, Facebook, Google, and other sources, truth can be established at lightning speed. You may not know it but any details you share online or off-line leave a permanent footprint. Despite your denials of wrongdoing, those specifics can be recovered to haunt you forever.
Facts have a powerful reach, inherently interwoven in our daily existence. They come out when necessary and shed light when least expected. They leave lies and liars distressed and humiliated.
Because of inconsistency, third-party information, and unquestionable facts, lies are left naked. And truth must still reign.