NOTE: Be aware we are not discussing habitual lying and/or mental health matters causing untrue statements.

 

If a person said to you, “I’ve never lied my entire life.”  What’s your first thought about that statement?  TCP did a survey and most stated that statement is a lie so assumed other lies have been told throughout their life.  The survey group also concluded all people lie for some reason in life – to name a few:

 

Causes given for work absence – from self-sickness, a hurt family member, to death or funeral attendance

 

False details from a mate – from jeans making your bottom look a certain way, how delicious a meal is, to cheating and more.

​

Details had within a conversation – ever seen a fun game start with a whisper to one person through a line of people and see what message is delivered by the last person in the line?

 

It's important to note that while lying can be harmful, it's also a complex behavior influenced by a variety of factors.

 

The Psychological Breakdown

1. Self-Protection:

   • Avoiding Conflict: People may lie to avoid arguments or confrontations, particularly if they fear negative consequences.

   • Protecting Feelings: To spare others from hurt or disappointment, people might resort to white lies or omissions.

   • Preserving Self-Esteem: Lies can be used to maintain a positive self-image, especially when faced with failure or inadequacy.

2. Social Acceptance:

   • Fitting In: People may lie to fit in with a group or to avoid social rejection.

   • Impression Management: To create a desired impression, individuals may exaggerate their accomplishments or downplay their shortcomings.

3. Gaining Advantage:

   • Manipulating Others: Lies can be used to manipulate people into doing what the liar wants.

   • Material Gain: In some cases, people may lie to obtain financial or other material benefits.

 

There are social debates about governmental conspiracies, ponderings about Mandela effects, entertainer’s alleged activity, and on and on.  While TCP is not saying EVERYONE is an awful individual, we are saying we unanimously agree untruths happen by 100% of society. 

 

The Impossible Task: Never Telling a Lie

The concept of never uttering a falsehood throughout one's entire life is a fascinating philosophical exercise, but in practical terms, it's unattainable. Humans are complex beings, prone to errors, misjudgments, and exaggerations. Even the most honest individuals may, at times, inadvertently misrepresent the truth.

 

The Nuances of Truth

To truly understand the difficulty of never lying, we must delve into the nuances of truth itself. A simple statement can be objectively true, yet subjectively misleading. For example, saying "I'm fine" when feeling deeply upset is technically true, but it doesn’t share the underlying emotions.  It isn’t necessarily considered a lie as compared to choosing not to share deeper feelings of a matter – especially if a stranger asks how you’re doing.

 

The Social Construct of Truth

Society is built on a foundation of trust, and honesty plays a crucial role in maintaining social harmony. However, the definition of honesty can vary across cultures and individuals. What one person considers a harmless white lie, another may view as a serious breach of trust.

 

The Conclusion

Understand, truth is a fact that can be proven.  Do not confuse an opinion with a fact.  Lawyers can often take what’s said and build from the statement whether it is true or not simply because it was said.  If someone says, “I’ve never lied my entire life”, do they truly believe it?  If so, it goes beyond our focus of the article.  If it’s not true, why are they telling YOU this?  Why is it being said?  If it’s not a major issue, let it go because now you know.  If it’s a huge concern, how will you handle it?

 

While the ideal of absolute honesty is admirable, it's important to recognize the limitations of human nature. Often, we don’t focus on developing our communication skills, practicing empathy, and strive to be as truthful as possible. By acknowledging our imperfections and working towards greater honesty, we can build stronger relationships and live more authentic lives.  Be sure to tell TCP your experience with lies.  We truly want to know – we aren’t lying!

 

FYI:  Source assistance via Google

 

__________

 

Pathological  Liar Info

Here’s a very brief note we’ve researched regarding habitual lying NOT covered in this article.

​

A habitual liar is someone who lies compulsively or pathologically, meaning they lie often and without a clear reason. This behavior is also known as pseudologia fantastica or mythomania. 

People who lie habitually may: 

​

• Lie about big and small things 

• Lie to make themselves feel better or more interesting 

• Lie to escape reality 

• Lie to gain admiration, sympathy, or acceptance 

• Portray themselves as the hero or victim in their stories 

 

Pathological lying can be a coping mechanism for psychological or personality issues that may have started in childhood. It can also be linked to biological factors, such as an imbalance in the hormone-cortisol ratio. 

Treating pathological lying can be challenging, but therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, can help. It's important to create a space where truth is valued and reinforced. 

For those on the receiving end of these lies, it's important to recognize the pattern and set boundaries. It's okay to seek support for yourself, too, whether through counseling or simply talking to someone who gets it.

SOURCE

​

Here is a week worth of lies to display how often lies are delivered:

​

10.28.24

An incident report from 2 parties – both parties gave different accounts of the matter – there’s a lie somewhere in there.

 

10.29.24

A team member rode the CTA el (Chicago commuter train) – twice on one of the trains during the 1:00p hour, CTA sat in between two stops for 5 minutes and lied why they did it – granted, this can’t be proven yet if you’re from Chicago, you know they’re not telling the truth.

​​

10.30.24

Nothing to mention

​​

10.31.24

At Target, a TCP team member asked a worker a simple question as it was their 1st time at this location's section, "Is this the only chip aisle?"  The worker answered, "Yes."  The very next aisle was another row of chips.

​

Point being, simple untruths - yet, told anyway. 

​

We want your input.  Email us at TCPcontact1@gmail.com