18yr old won't stop lying

[wrenvolpe]

I have a 18 yr ols son who has had is share of bad luck with school.  He droped out last year and then enrolled and graduated from a National Guard run 6 month program.  He came home and right away got a job and enrolled and started GED classes.  He has always had a problem with telling lies. He lies mainly about his life.  It is almost as if he thinks his life is so boring that he has to make things up.  His life has been anything but boaring.  He has traveled all over the country with his father.  He was a nationally ranked BMX downhill racer for three years in a row.  He has been in 6 operas with our regional opera company.  He draws, sings, and writes amazing poetry, but the lying gets in the way.  Friends have left him, girlfriends are nonexistant because of the lying.  Teachers complained, and now it has started again.  We have talked to him about it over and over.  He understands, or seems to that in the end you get cought in the lie.  I don't know what to do.  Is there theropy that will help?  I hate to see him go through life constantly haveing relationships fall apart because of this problem.    Any siggestions?  Thanks

[lovekids34]

My brother has done this all his life and is now 28 years old. It's something that may always be there. I would say therapy will help if he notices there is a problem and is wanting to work on those problems. My brother basically believes his own lies and thinks hes not telling stories.

Anyhow, good luck to you, I've dealt with the same thing for years, and I know the feeling, it's hard. God Bless You!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Sounds like he has low self esteem.  He needs to enter therapy