Compulsive Lying

[Mac2772]

I am a compulsive liar. I dont know if there are different stages of lying but if there is I am near the top. I lie about my friends family, health and even my past. I had my 2 year boyfriend thinking I was a totally different person. I feel bad when I do it but at the same time I often do not even realize I am doing it until after its done. He knows I lie and I am trying to tell him the truth now but I still lie about things. I do not want this to ruin our relationship and I want to gain his trust back which I know may never happen. I am horrible, I can lie about where I am from in a hear beat. I have like an alternative life that everyone believed I lived but I never did. I want SO BAD to stop. I have been open and told him the truth but I still feel myself lying. What can I do to fix this? I can't afford Therapy, but if I absolutely must I will try anything. Please help me.

[Linzi750]

I'm no expert but do have 2 degrees in psychology and practice assessments in my profession. I would suggest you do see a doctor as there are a number of reasons why you may be resorting to this behaviour. Low self-esteem, depression amongst others. Pathological lying like this could be a sign of a personality disorder given its persistance and how much you are not changing it despite it having clear negative impact on your life. You are affecting so many people through doing this I think you have a responsibility to get yourself assessed by a doctor. There are also lots of self-help books out there to treat certain conditions as long as you seek trusted publications from your doctor.


As for 'HockeyShark' you cousin seems a far different breed- a pathological liar with no remorse for anti-social behaviour and a tendency to get violent may be potentially a sociopath or even worse, with feelings of grandiose and shallow emotions could be a psychopath.

[HockeyShark]

it is a compulsion that probably has it's base in insecurities. My cousin is a HORRIBLE pathological liar. But I think he believes his own BS because when you nail him on it, he gets violent.

Just keep trying to be truthful. A Therapist may be able to help.

[Frank303]

You expect us to believe that! ;-)