My son has your problem. He is 30, 5' 4" with ADHD. He sometimes admits he lies for no reason. Rarely does he tell a malicious lie, but the exaggerations are the worst. We just shake our heads. He knows we don't believe him a lot of the time, but he loves getting one over on an unsuspecting individual. He's also a very jovial person so most people just laugh it off. I bothers him sometimes, but he doesn't seem to be able to stop. He had counseling when he was younger and would even mess with the counselor. The counselor would ask me and I would say"he gotcha" Recognizing the problem puts you at an advantage. Each time before you tell someone something, take the time to make sure that the truth is coming out and fight the urge to exaggerate.
I think you lie because you feel inadequate in who you are, and embellishing on things makes you feel better about yourself. You need to learn how to accept who you are and realize that people will like you for that alone. Being different or unique is good, not always fitting in is also good, this is what builds leaders. As for the lie you told at work, just leave it alone and see if your boss says anything. There are self-help books that can help you learn to like and accept who you truly are. Therapy would be very beneficial as I feel this stems from something in your past. You are who and what you are, and people will like and respect you for this. If people begin to realize that you're lying a lot, you're going to lose trust and friendship. Recognizing you have a problem is a big step in sorting through all of this. I wish you the best.
Well, you have a good start by recognizing some of the reasons/motives behind your lying. I agree with the previous post, that you should seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you identify, explore and resolve some of the issues you are experiencing that fuel your lying.
I Never had that much of a lie issue, But i think you may need more professional help to over come this, Perhaps it's things in the past of your life your not satisfied with that may be the cause i'm not a professional but you should find someone who knows exactly what the cause is to treat it..
I don't hate you for lying,
I hope you can carry on with life as best as you can,
And please find out what else you can do to get help
I think it's wonderful your recognising this thing you do
I wish you the best
Sarah