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 ask ourselves: 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 a person lies unnecessarily. Additionally, we will explore the motivations behind this behavior, discover what people who practice it are called, and learn how to deal effectively with them.
What are people called who lie unnecessarily?
There are different terms used to describe people who have the 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 people.
- Mythomaniac: This term is used to describe people who suffer from mythomaniac personality disorder. These people have a chronic and pathological tendency to lie compulsively, even in situations where there is no clear reason to do so. Mythomania is characterized by the constant need to make up stories and exaggerate achievements to impress others and gain attention.
- Pseudologist: Used to describe people who have an inclination towards excessive and systematic lying. Pseudologists make up detailed, believable stories for no apparent reason. Unlike mythomaniacs, pseudologists may not have mythomaniac personality disorder, but they do have a predisposition to chronic falsehood.
- Fabulator: refers to people who have a tendency to frequently invent or exaggerate stories. These stories may be imaginative and detailed, but they lack any real substance. Storytellers tend to tell these stories without a clear purpose and may do so to attract attention, feel more interesting, or escape from 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 to you.
Why are there people who lie unnecessarily?
There are various reasons why some people have a tendency to lie unnecessarily. Below are six possible reasons behind this behavior:
- They seek attention: lying gives them a momentary feeling 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 insecurities and perceived deficiencies. By making up stories or exaggerating achievements, they try to construct an image of themselves that fits their desires or expectations.
- Avoiding negative consequences: In these cases, they may fear punishment, rejection, or conflict, and choose to distort reality to avoid facing the 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 feeling of power and control over others. By manipulating reality, they feel in a position of superiority or enjoy the fact of deceiving others, which can feed their ego and increase their self-esteem.
- They want to escape reality: they resort to lying as a way to escape reality and create a fictional world where they feel more comfortable. Fantasy and invention provide them with an escape 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 deal with a person who lies unnecessarily
Dealing with a person who lies unnecessarily can be frustrating and difficult. 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:
- Stay calm: It is essential to stay 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 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 boundaries: It is important and to keep them firmly. If you find that the person is lying consistently or harmfully, consider setting healthy boundaries and maintaining emotional distance, if necessary, to protect yourself and preserve your well-being.
- Avoid feeding lies: don’t fall into the game of playing along with the person’s lies. Don’t provide rewards or incentives for his cheating behavior, as this could perpetuate his needlessness. Instead, focus your efforts on encouraging sincerity 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 give you specific tools and strategies to deal with this situation more effectively.
- Foster 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 highlight that, although we can use these strategies, we do not have the power to change a person and that each individual is responsible for their own behavior. Remember to always prioritize your emotional well-being, consciously decide how you want to get involved with someone who lies needlessly and what 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.
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Bibliography
- Bok, S. (2023). Lying: The moral choice in public and private life: The moral choice in public and private life. Fund of Economic Culture. https://books.google.es/books?hl=es&lr=&id=NnqzEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT6&dq=%E2%80%A2%09Pseud%C3%B3logo&ots=lbQrh-zXze&sig=PGNeAUjwoVnztcdEwikwPV9XohU
- González, M. (2010). Lying behavior: A conceptual analysis from an interbehavioral perspective. Electronic Journal of Psychology Iztacala, 13(1). https://www.iztacala.unam.mx/carreras/psicologia/psiclin/vol13num1/Art5Vol13No1.pdf
- Sirvent, CM, De La Villa Moral, M., Blanco, B., & Campomanes, C. (2011). Living on deception. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271489407_Vivir_en_el_engano_Living_on_deception