Why People Lie

Recently I had an opportunity to at least attempt an understanding at the dynamics behind a lie. Not only one lie, but this person built upon lie after lie. Not only did she tell fabrications to one person, but to many. What she didn't understand was that we were all going to get together someday and chat.

I began to wonder what would bring a person to such a level.

In some cases people lie to further themselves. Examples of this are people that take credit for another person's work, to further their career. Or when a person chooses to lead a person in the wrong direction where love is concerned, (a man that wants another guy's girlfriend). There can be many examples of this, and it can be broken down into so many sub categories. But in this area of thought we have one main concept, what can a person do to get what they want. Understanding this person is fairly simple. They have a goal, and in order to attain it, they feel it necessary to deceive.

Other situations which are easy to figure out, are those that are trying to hide something. It may be that they have done something wrong, and are ashamed that someone will find out. They may feel that people will look at them differently if they know the truth. Sometimes I feel sympathy for a person that lies for this reason. it is hard not to. Especially if the person was a victim of some crime, but would prefer not to go into details. Again we have a reason that has many sides. But it all depends on what they are hiding. Sad to say that you can never fully understand until you find out the truth, and by then if it was a good reason you may feel ashamed for pressing the matter.

Not wanting to make this article too long, I will delve into the final area. The person that lies to cause trouble. There exist in this world a whole group of people, whose sole purpose is to stir things up. They will lie whenever they find the opportunity. This is where my understanding falters. Do you pity a person that feels this is a form of entertainment? Or do you get angry, and fight back? What would the proper course of action be when you want answers? What would you do?

As a group when we came across this situation we talked it out, without the person, and cut them out of the group. But it really didn't make anyone feel closure. We still want to know why. I think it's this last group that bothers me most. At least with the other two mentioned here, you get a sense of reason, but with this one you only question humanity.