why do people sometimes lie?

I take pride in the fact that I'm a generally honest person. However, there are certain times when I find myself forced to break such honesty and hold back the truth. These include: -- Information that may put myself or others in a dangerous situation. For example, if a bunch of intimidating individuals approached me and asked for the whereabouts of a specific person, if I believe they are out to provoke harm, then I will retain the truth and give them a false location. -- Information that may hurt the feelings of others. In the past, I have given my honest opinion to such questions as the dreaed "Does my butt look big in this," however, over time I've learnt that if a person asks for my own personal taste or opinion on something, and its obvious they are expecting a positive answer, I will give them a positive answer PROVIDING it won't cause them embarassment later. -- Information enquired by a stranger regarding my address, phone number or any other information personal to me. If I don't know the person, or if I don't intend to give away my information, then I will tell a "white lie" or just avoid the question entirely.

Why do people lie? In addition to all the reasons you have listed, I'd like to add 'compulsiveness' as well. It's like kleptomania for some people; they can't help it; they just have to lie. It may not be with the intention of gaining something or protecting somebody; they are just conditioned to not tell the truth. Is there help for such people? I don't know. Should such people change this habit? I don't know.

hi flagella0o8 the only white lie I have ever told was that the pants or new skirt or new blouse does not make the person look fat, or big, or chubby. I do that because why make someone feel really bad about themselves. If it is my best friend and I think she won't get angry over the truth, I will say, that is pretty but you look better in a bit larger size. I would not say that to anyone unless I knew they wanted the truth. I never lie about anything else no matter what.

I really try not to lie. I spent a lot of time lying when I was a young person and regret it very much. I have told a few lies in my adult life but really very few. I work with addicts and have heard some of the most amazing lies you could imagine. I find that my clients lie for many reasons but number one is so they can get high. They do not care who they hurt or how much the lie affects life, they live in the moment and are very impulsive. I have to say I love when the lies catch up with them. In my work I get to see it all come out in the wash and it can be very interesting to see the reactions when they have been caught.

To protect themselves for sure, and to get out of things or into things. so many reasons.

I think it's for the others person dont see who they are really (I talk about the liars of curse) But certain persons lie everytime for everythink.

I guess even children lie every now and then too. But, I am not saying that everyone does that everytime. I have lied a number of times, to make fun, to avoid punishment (well, actually delay punishment once I the truth goes out), or to gain things in the process. Of course, I don't often do that anymore. I try to avoid getting into situations that would make me do such things. Some people get hurt when it happens so, I just try to be honest but, be cautious on how I would say it so that, it won't blow out of proportions.

well... i have met lots of ppl who lie and dont lie... actaully i also have lied sometimes,, and i am not proud of it,, but i know i am way better than the reast.. jus believe me.. however i think there are more than one reason to lie... some ppl lie to be famouse or show the world he is somebody some ppl lie as he/she is scared some ppl lie as a habbit

There are different types of people who lie. Most of the people lie on small issues because they don't want to disclose something. I use 'I don't know' sometimes even though I know about the matter because I don't want to share the matter to somebody who asks me about it. Some people are addicted to lie. They lie about all the matters they talk. I think those people should be taken to hospitals.

There are alot of people out there who lie,about all different things.You have people that say they are doing really well with finance and what they really mean is that they using a credit card to buy things with or they have bills every where.There are others saying that their life is great where as it is the total opposite.There are others that say they love someone where as they do not mean it.This will always be one of the things,people do lie.

Hahaha... it was an interesting question. Why do people lie? The answer is because sometimes the truth just to many hurt other hearts feeling. There's one moment when we have the truth in our hand but in the other hand we know if tell the truth to others it could make they feel sad. That's why some people decide to hide the truth just only to keep your heart.

There's a lot of situation where you will be tempted to lie just to make some things right for you, you can't avoid it, just like in your case, it happens to me also. You are force to hold your opinion just not to offend anybody. Some people will lie just to stay away from troubles, I don't know but sometimes it depends on what is on the line wether we would lie or not.

It really depends on the situation. Sometimes people lie to cover up for their mistakes. Sometimes they do that to save someone else or to avoid hurting their feelings. Like you, I'm also very sensitive when it comes to other people's feelings. As much as possible, I try to just keep quiet instead of telling them lies. I feel guilty every time I do so if it's not really necessary, I tell the truth if possible, or if it will do them good.

I think some people lie to keep theirselfs from getting in trouble

I hate liars...but unfortunately sometimes I can't avoid lying too. You are right when a person lie...there's always a reason why they do that. There are lies that is for the good of others. And lies for personal gain.

i find that people lie so they wont hurt someone's feelings. But for the past going on 3 years i have been lie free. Really! I have learned that i would rather people know how i really feel about them than to think everything is okay or to think i really like them period. And trust me it does get hard not to lie especially if the truth is going ruin someone else's relationship or friendship. I just learned to not say anything at all. I just say i am not in this.But if you are my friend or anyone that i am close to i dont hide anything, if you ask the truth will come out.

Hi Flagella. I agree that everyone at some point has told at least a small lie, even when they deny it. Most people who don't "lie" often will agree with another or not tell them the entire truth to spare hurting feelings. Some lies are designed to save a relationship. Others lie to try and keep themselves out of trouble or to get someone else into trouble...out of spite or vengefulness. Some lie to save a friend or relative from getting into trouble, or to con someone else, or to manipulate them. Those are the most destructive kinds of lies! Karen

i agree with so called white lies to protect someone and have goos reasns why need to lie but lied many times seems it used to it in doing lies thats nah good anymore....like people telling lies to excuse themselves but lier is nah good give bad image to a person....and doing lies can coz troubles...its better nah to lie that you can gain good for it

In my opinion, people lies depending on what the situation is. We all know that what lie is like, making a lie in order for us not to hurt others feelings. Some lie in order for them not to be in a difficult situation. Some also lie just for their own good. But on reality, there are people who are just liars. ;0)

some ppl lie to protect themself or for attention or just to lie lying is not always bad though if you think about it but it depends on what you lie about an how big the lie was.