How do you deal with a compulsive liar?

1. 89

   johnsonrallenposted 10 years ago

   How do you deal with a compulsive liar?
   
   I'm not referring to a coworker or someone not particularly close to you. Rather, how can/do you deal with a compulsive liar who is a family member/close friend?

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2. 73

   Abby Campbellposted 10 years ago

   This is difficult. What I usually do is just nod my head and agree. I've given up on correcting the lies because more lies only come forth. I believe that compulsive liars have a mental illness, and there's no negotiating with those who see things "their" way. We must still love them, and the best way is sometimes just keeping peace.

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   1. 76

      CraftytotheCoreposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Abby!  It's difficult when the person is a close relative and they make up stories to get acceptance.  Loving them is all we can do.

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   2. 73

      Abby Campbellposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Good morning, Crafty! Yes, loving them is really all we can do. It's sad and hurts to see a close relative do this, but we usually and unfortunately can't change them.

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3. 76

   CraftytotheCoreposted 10 years ago

   Well, it's very difficult for sure. 
   
   There are two consequences of this. 
   A) The person is a compulsive liar and harms no one with the lies they tell.  The person is transparent, but no one gets hurt by their lies.
   B) The person lies to get their way, cheat, steal, and spread venom around.
   
   If the person fits type A, I try my best to ignore it and try to see the light through the trees so to speak.
   If the person fits type B, sometimes they need to be put in their place even if it means avoiding them at all cost to save yourself from heartache, trouble, and drama. These types will stop at nothing and will throw anyone in their path under the bus.  (It may also mean stop going to places where this person hangs out and follows you because you just want to get away from their troubled life!)

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   1. 73

      Abby Campbellposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Crafty! I didn't think about the "B" person. I suppose it's because I have only had to deal with the "A" type so far. the "B" type would be awful. I can't even imagine!

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4. 80

   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   We get to choose who we spend our time with. It's not a requirement to sit down and listen to lies. You have the option of not being there and you also can change the topic of conversation. Last but not least if you (know) it's a lie then it's not worth giving it any thought.
   The bottom line is the only person you can (control) is yourself! You have no way controlling what a person thinks or says. All you can do is (choose) to be around them or not. You are responsible for your own happiness! One man's opinion! :-)

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5. 61

   Ranveer Bhatiaposted 10 years ago

   You let him/her lie without giving the slightest hint of your knowledge. You can trace the origin of his/her lies in your own way.

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