In the intricate web of relationships, lies often find their way, regardless of our aversion to deception. Whether they're seemingly innocuous white lies or monumental secrets, dishonesty can creep into the fabric of romantic connections, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste.
Could it be that lying is so deeply rooted in human nature that we aren't conscious of our deceit? Studies suggest an alarming reality—approximately 60% of adults struggle to go even 10 minutes without uttering a falsehood. These falsehoods, while often trivial, raise a critical question: why engage in them at all? Surprisingly, even the participants themselves were taken aback when confronted with video recordings of their conversations, revealing the extent of their fibs.
So, why do people resort to lying in relationships? Is there ever a justifiable cause for deception? Delving into the heart of this matter, we aim to uncover the underlying truths behind the prevalence of dishonesty in romantic connections.
# Because they’re cheatingAcademic survey researcher Tom Smith reports 15%-18% of married couples have affairs during their marriage.
With the digital footprints we all leave behind us in the digital snow it’s pretty hard to get away with cheating these days. Even if your partner finds out months after you start, they’re going to find out eventually. Still, cheating is one of the biggest and most devastating secrets in a relationship.
Being betrayed by someone you love is one of the biggest hurdles anyone ever faces in life. Lies lead to broken families, loss of income, and loss of trust. And the thing about trust is that it’s easy to give to someone you love, but as soon as you lose it it’s nearly impossible to repair. Even if you really want to.
# InsecuritiesOne study done by Scientific American shows that 90% of people lie on their online dating profile. Shocker! People often lie to cover up insecurities they have.
For example, most women lie about their weight on dating profiles. The men lie about their height and how much money they make. You may lie about your job, your education, or your relationship with your family members, all because of some insecurity you hold.
# Avoiding accountabilityRemember when you were eight years old, and your mom asked you if you were the one who tracked mud through the house? You say no, but you’re a liar. And apparently, you haven’t learned a thing because one of the top reasons people lie is to avoid accountability.
According to retired psychologist turned TV show host, Dr. Phil, this is usually a train of males. Men lie to escape accountability whereas women often lie to make someone feel better.
So things like “I never said that about you” or “I never spent that money” are little lies to avoid getting into trouble from your little misses.
# Money matters
Money is lied about, and most people probably understand why. It isn’t easy to talk about money, especially when you have separate bank accounts. Any woman who’s ever made a trip to Sephora can probably admit she’d rather her mate not see the receipt.
A credit card survey revealed that 6% of participants hide their bank account or credit card statements from their spouse. The survey also showed that one in five thought it was okay to keep a $500 shopping spree from their partners even going as far as keeping multiple hidden bank accounts from their mates.
# To create a more exciting lifeSome people thrive on drama, making an exaggerated lie seem more than just a little alluring. People lie about where they’ve traveled, who they’ve slept with, and what celebrity sightings they’ve had all to make themselves seem more interesting.
# Lying about family
Why do people lie? Obviously, you haven’t met their families yet! Many people lie about family members to avoid embarrassment or out of protection. Often people lie about parents who have abandoned them, addicts in the family, or they lie about sickness or mental challenges a family member might have. They even lie about the reason why they don’t communicate with family.