Why Lie?

Dear Victorious,

Why do people lie?

Sidney M. - Carrollton, TX

Dear Sidney,

I suppose the most common reason people lie is to get something they want or to avoid something they don't want. But I believe the most common motive for lying is fear. We are afraid - if we'll be honest about it - that our inner thoughts and motives or emotions will be discovered. And we find them to be unacceptable. We don't want anyone else to find them that way. We are afraid that our mistakes will be discovered. Eve if we believe we can avoid direct consequences, we wish to avoid being known for our mistakes or dishonorable thoughts and motives.