Why do people lie even when telling the truth would be easier?

Question

I have noticed that people sometimes lie about things so trivial that the truth would have been easier and had no consequences. A friend lied about where they had dinner. My colleague lied about finishing a task early. Why do people lie when there is nothing to gain?

ella_clark · Accepted Answer

Habitual lying often has nothing to do with the specific lie. It can be a deeply ingrained coping mechanism developed to avoid conflict or judgment in childhood that runs on autopilot even when stakes are zero.

henry_jackson · Answer

Some people lie to control how others perceive them even in small ways. The dinner lie might be about image management. Understanding the underlying need the lie serves reveals more than the lie itself.

Why do people lie even when telling the truth would be easier?

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Why do people lie even when telling the truth would be easier?

2 answers Most votes Newest Oldest

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2 answers
Most votes Newest Oldest