What Is It That Makes A Person Lie?

Lies are but the thorns we install to protect the secret which is the rose. Not all of us are comfortable with exposing our every little secret nor are we capable of baring our souls to the world without feeling absolutely and positively naked. Some love it. They simply love lying. But they call it, 'simply not telling the truth'. I would know. I've been brought up by one who positively hates liars and another who calls lying an art. But the truth of it all is that no one can grow up without lying at all. It's a defense mechanism when used right but when used wrongly, can become a lethal weapon in which the one wielding the lies will soon find themselves in a narrow hole they themselves dug.

Haven't we all experienced that one moment where everything goes terribly silent and our head starts pounding as we look down at the shoes of the person who caught us lying. Well I have. And it's a horrid feeling I would surely wish upon everyone. Why? Well, because then they'd learn how not to get caught ofcourse. Anywho, I'm digressing. The topic at hand is what makes a person lie? And here are what I believe the reasons to be:

1) Desperation

Imagine if you had a boyfriend or girlfriend (which ever gender you are, pick the opposite or...just pick your preference) and your parents aren't exactly liberal thinking folks, and they caught you out with your BF or GF, you would lie. Hell, I would. 

Mum: Who is this young man?
Me: Him? Pfft. Him?
Mum: Yes him.
Me: He's that project group mate I've told you about before. Remember?
Mum: Ah...no. I don't think so.
Me: Oh mum, you're always forgetting things. (WRONGGGGGGGG!!!! Don't ever say that, she'll swoop in and deliver the final blow for mentioning a memory loss which ultimately refers to her being old and females hate being referred to as old. Maybe if it were your dad, you could. Unless your dad's an Adonis, then forget it because he's vanity would be the same as a woman's. Instead say this.) Oh mum, I did mention it but I think you were reading that important article in the newspaper. Anyways, this is Chris. 
Chris: Hi.
Mum: Yes well...
Me: We just finished project meeting and the rest live around here but Chris and I have to take the train back. That's why we're walking together.
Mum: Oh. Why don't I just give the two of you a ride back then.

(Caution: Don't say yes. Go home with your mum but don't take your BF with you. Because lying with a straight face is already bad but bringing your guy in the car...wow...that's just going to a whole new low.)

So that's for desperation. If we're desperate, we'd try anything to get out of the situation and lying is the first defense mechanism. 

2) Instigation
  Yes, instigation. When one is provoked and pushed into a corner, one retaliates with an exaggeration of the truth. It happens to everyone. Just that for some of us, as we grow older and thankfully become wiser, we become immune to instigation and pat our provoker on the head and smile at them as though they were a child. However, there are those who constantly respond to instigation despite their age. Here's an example:

God: Lucifer. (laughs in a godly manner) My brother, you must join us up here more often. We lack for sour company. (Laughs again.)
Lucifer: Yes, I see how you yearn for my devious company. It shows in how you spend your time eating and drinking with the other gods. 
God: (clears throat) Come now Lucifer, insults are uncalled for here.
Lucifer: Insults. Please brother. If I were to insult you, you wouldn't realise it because us higher intelligent beings can deliver a proper insult without the victim realising it. 
God: (face turns red as the other gods start smirking at him) Come now Lucifer.We shall cease this bantering and drink shall we?
Lucifer: Ah yes why not? While the people in Africa suffer from drought and famine and evantually die and end up in hell because they commit crime, let us be merry and consume beverages that are condoned to be bad for the body. Let us then adjourn and be drunk. What a fine role model you make brother.
God: (Turns completely red in anger) Now see here Lucifer! I do more good than you. All you do is guard the hells of gate and ensure the evil souls stay there. My task is far more than that. I have to answer prayers and visit the cities. I have to manage the other Gods and see that the seasons come and go as planned. I have to ensure...
 Lucifer: (Cuts in) Oh please brother. The list may go on and on. (Drawls while still lounging in a chair.) But have you for once thought about why the people pray to you or what ensures that the people you think love you try their best to behave well?
God: (Bellows) Because they revere and respect me.
Lucifer: No, because they fear me.
God: (sputters) No...pfft...no.
Lucifer: What have you done brother that has bettered the world recently? Hmmm?
God: (looks about rattled for a moment before lying through his teeth) I have found the answer to world peace!
Lucifer: Have you now? (leans forward) Well what is it then?
God: It is ...well...oh look at the time. I shall share my plans with you soon enough Lucifer. The world will be a better place. Just you see.
Lucifer: Oh please brother. Don't do any of the humans a favour because the last time you implemented a plan of yours, man began to complain how badly it hurt that their testicles were on the outside, easy for women to inflict pain upon them.
God: Yes..well..that was not one of my greatest ideas but this is Lucifer! 
Lucifer: Well then. I'm looking forward to seeing world peace.
God: Yes of course.
Lucifer: Before 2012 of course. Because that's when the world ends.
God: Damn it.

3) Plain old pride
Now this last reason is simple. Pride. People lie because they are proud and just can't admit the truth. Like if they haven't completed a task, they lie to protect their reputation and this is without any instigation from anyone. They simply lie. And if one lies too often because of pride, they can end up lying for the rest of their lives. Evantually, they themselves even begin to believe their lies and end up living in their own little bubble of lies.



So if you think about all the 3 reasons, you would realise that every and any lie you have ever said before can be categorized under these 3sub headings. It's true. Don't sass mouth me and say what about white lies. Lying to protect the ones you love. Well that's under Desperation. A lie is a lie. And it is perfectly acceptable if one does it in moderation unless of course you're an excellent poker faced liar. Then by all means, lie to your hearts content but remember, constantly move. If you lie often, staying in one place is dangerous. So move. Travel the world, lie and travel again. Don't settle down in one place.

So as you can see, if you lie often, you won't have a chance at a proper happy life. Sigh. I've completely lost my train of thoughts here. My handphone just buzzed and I'm rushing. So that's that I suppose. 

Lies are like the thorns that protect the rose that is the truth.