Lying is an important part of daily life. It maintains social bonds and prevents the human race from collapsing. Yet, this simple task, which the average person performs so effortlessly, is such a struggle for me. It’s not that I’m confused with all the types of lies available for use – that’s black and white – it’s just that I genuinely struggle to produce the lies that society demands of me; it creates a deep turmoil within me.
When – and if – I am forced by social convention to lie, I immediately feel that I am standing before a judge, falsely accused of murder; and the feeling of guilt NEVER goes away. I remember all my lies and I’ll never forget the lies I have heard. But I’ll never forget the effects of my brutal honesty, either.
I have taken far more heat for being honest than lying. It’s even worse when, trying desperately to please, I manufacture a half-hearted lie with lots of context and explanation of its creation. People hate that; they like solid lies, far removed from the truth. So, what am I to do? How do I cope with having to lie, on top of everything else I struggle with? Are you in the same boat? Well, here’s my recommendation.
Instead of lying, just change the subject.
Friend: How do you like my hair cut?
Me: Is that a new shirt?
Trapped on a rock floating in space 