Do pathological liars change7/22/2023 ![]() There’s no ‘cure’ for a pathological liar, as their behaviour is often linked to an underlying condition, for which there may be treatment or management. Chances are their lies stem from past trauma or other mental health concerns, all of which they can seek help with. If you know the person well enough, you may understand where some of this behaviour is coming from. That doesn’t mean cutting the person out of your life, it means making a show that you’re not willing to continue putting up with their lies unless they are willing to change. ![]() If you’ve continually expressed your concerns and nothing has changed, know when to walk away. Be warned however, this approach may backfire with them showing resentment towards you or using more lies and circular arguments. Explain that you want to help them understand the reasoning behind their lies and seek help for any underlying issues. Address the problemĬalmly talk to the person about your concerns and make them aware that you know they aren’t telling the truth. Whilst this seems counterintuitive, it could be a way to let them know that you know they are lying without having to confront them. Instead of nodding in agreeance, questioning their lies or having a conversation with them about it, change the subject or avoid the conversation. If you notice that you might be dealing with a pathological liar, try not to engage in their behaviour when they start lying to you. For example, saying things like ‘can you explain how this adds up’, or ‘help me to understand this as I’m a little confused’ can show that you’re not believing what they’re saying and could discourage them from continuing. Try to use language that questions their lies, rather than causing an argument with confrontation. You can however gently point out that things aren’t adding up by using facts to support your version. This can be tricky, especially since they will likely use another lie in response to being called out. Can you trust anything they say? But there are some things you can do. This can be really tough because it can feel like the person has little regard for your feelings. Image: iStock How to cope with a pathological liar Pathological liars often live in a false sense of reality. ![]() Like what you see? Sign up to our newsletter for more stories like this. This compulsion is often paired with a need to embellish and exaggerate on the truth,” explains psychologist Nancy Sokarno. “Also referred to as mythomania or pseudologia fantastica, pathological lying is a mental disorder in which a person has a habit or history of lying. But there are those among us who persistently, and compulsively, tell lies, often to manipulate social situations for their personal benefit. Looking back on it now, I remember how confident I was I had my mum fooled.Įveryone tells lies from time to time, whether it be to hide behaviour we’re ashamed of, to deflect accountability (*ahem* most politicians) or to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. The next day, I stunk but maintained the evening had been totally innocent. In reality, I was going to my friend’s house… to drink cheap, sugary alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and spew in the pool. When I was 16, I told my parents I was going to a friend’s house to study. We spoke to Lysn psychologist Nancy Sokarno for more information. While most of us are guilty of telling innocent fibs from time to time, there are those among us that do it compulsively, though they may be hard to spot.
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