We’ve all told little white lies. But there’s a huge difference between that and building your life on a series of them.

People who live in these constructed realities often exhibit certain habits. These telltale signs can reveal a pattern of dishonesty, and I’m here to help you spot them.

In this article, I’ll take you through these common habits, shedding light on the concealed world of those who have built their lives on lies. Stay tuned, and you might just discover some hard truths.

1) They’re amazing storytellers

Who doesn’t love a good story? People who have built their lives on lies often have this in common – they’re master storytellers.

Creating fabricated narratives requires a certain level of creativity and wit. But when these tales become the foundation of one’s life, it’s a whole new ball game.

These individuals become adept at weaving intricate webs of deceit that are so convincing, they can fool even the most discerning listener.

Remember, though, the stories may seem incredibly enticing and real, but they’re often just smoke and mirrors hiding the truth. Keep an ear out for these impressive yet deceptive storytellers – it’s one of the telltale habits of people who live their lives based on lies.

2) They’re constantly changing their stories

In my life, I’ve come across people who seem to have a new version of the same story each time they tell it. This inconsistency is a major red flag.

I had a friend in college, let’s call him John. He was always the life of the party, regaling us with tales of his incredible adventures. But as time went on, I noticed something odd. His stories kept changing.

One time, he told us about a wild trip to Vegas where he won big at the casinos. A few months later, that same trip somehow turned into a sobering lesson about the dangers of gambling.

This constant flip-flopping made me question the authenticity of his narratives. And sure enough, it turned out that John had been fabricating a lot of these tales.

So remember, if someone’s story keeps changing, it might be a sign that they’ve built their life on a shaky foundation of lies.

3) They’re often overly defensive

Most of us can admit when we’re wrong. However, people who have built their lives on lies seem to have a hard time with this.

When confronted or questioned about the inconsistencies in their stories, they often become defensive. This isn’t just a gut reaction – there’s actually a psychological term for it: cognitive dissonance.

Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort one experiences when confronted with new information that contradicts their existing beliefs or behaviors. To reduce this discomfort, individuals may become defensive, creating excuses or blaming others.

So, if you notice someone frequently getting defensive, especially over minor details, you might be dealing with someone who’s used to spinning tales.

4) They tend to overcomplicate things

It’s been said that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. But for those who’ve built their lives on lies, simplicity can be a daunting concept.

These individuals often craft complex narratives filled with unnecessary details. This overcomplication serves as a smoke screen, making it difficult for others to question or verify their stories.

But truth be told, the truth is usually straightforward and doesn’t require an intricate plot. So if you find someone frequently adding layers of complexity to their tales, it might be a sign of a habitual liar.

5) They struggle with genuine relationships

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of living a life built on lies is the impact it has on relationships. Genuine connections are built on trust and honesty, two things that are severely compromised when lies form the basis of one’s life.

People entangled in a web of deceit often struggle to form deep, meaningful relationships. Their fear of being exposed or their inability to be their true selves creates a barrier that prevents them from truly connecting with others.

It’s a lonely world they live in, constantly donning a mask and fearing the moment it might slip off. It’s not just about identifying these individuals, but also understanding the profound impact their choices have on their own lives and those around them.

6) They’re often anxious

Living a life built on lies isn’t easy. The constant fear of being found out can lead to an underlying sense of anxiety.

I’ve seen this firsthand. I had a family member who was always on edge, always seemed worried. It was like he was carrying an invisible burden that weighed him down.

Years later, we found out he’d been hiding a significant amount of debt from everyone. The lies he’d told to cover it up had been a constant source of stress and anxiety for him.

From this experience, I learned that persistent anxiety could be a sign that someone is living a life built on lies. It’s a heavy load to carry, one that can take a significant toll on one’s mental health.

7) They avoid specific topics

We all have topics we’re not comfortable discussing. But for those who’ve built their lives on lies, these areas of avoidance are often where their falsehoods lie hidden.

These individuals will skillfully steer conversations away from certain subjects, or give vague, non-committal answers when pressed. It’s another defensive mechanism, aimed at preventing their house of cards from collapsing.

So, if you notice someone consistently avoiding a specific topic or getting uncomfortable when it comes up, it could be a sign they’re hiding something. It’s one of the many habits you’ll find in people who have constructed their lives on a foundation of lies.

8) They’re skilled at playing the victim

Perhaps the most telling habit of people who’ve built their lives on lies is their tendency to play the victim. This is not just about dodging responsibility, but also about gaining sympathy and manipulating situations in their favor.

By perpetually playing the victim, they can justify their lies, make you doubt your suspicions, and even make you feel guilty for questioning them.

This is a manipulative tactic that not only shields them from scrutiny but also shifts the focus away from their dishonesty. So if someone consistently portrays themselves as the victim, be cautious. It could be a sign that there’s more to their story than meets the eye.

Final thoughts: It’s more than just deception

Unraveling the habits of those who’ve built their lives on a series of lies takes us beyond the surface of deception, deep into the human psyche.

These individuals aren’t merely masters of deceit; they’re also victims of their own falsehoods. They carry the burden of their lies, often leading to anxiety, loneliness, and a struggle to form genuine relationships.

Remember, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom,” as Thomas Jefferson once said. But for those who’ve strayed from this path, their behaviors and habits often tell a story of their own.

As we navigate our interactions with others, let’s strive not only to detect these habits but also to understand the profound impact they have on individuals and relationships. Because at the end of the day, behind every facade, there’s a human being grappling with their choices.