How to Deal with Perpetual Liars and Keep Your Sanity

Liars. Exaggerators. Magical Thinkers. We’ve all met someone who seems incapable of just telling the truth, as it is. It doesn't matter if it's of consequence, or something silly, or for no reason at all, they'll just make stuff up, even about the smallest things.

They’re known as perpetual liars and they can be incredibly frustrating to deal with, and often exhausting to be around as our brains do the mental gymnastics to keep up with them while trying to decode & decipher which parts are real and which are made up. It seems like no matter what they say, you can’t trust them. Whether it’s a coworker, a family member, or a friend, dealing with perpetual liars can be exhausting... Let's explore some tips on how to deal with these individuals and keep your sanity!

Don't Take It Personally

Perpetual liars lie to everyone, not just to you. So don’t make it about you. Don’t take their lies personally, and don’t let it affect your self-esteem. Try to understand that their lies are about them, not about you.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

It’s natural to feel angry, frustrated, or even betrayed when someone lies to you. But losing control of your emotions will only make matters worse. Stay calm when you’re dealing with a perpetual liar, and try to maintain your composure. If you need to, take a break and come back to the conversation when you’re feeling more level-headed.

Focus on Facts, Not Feelings

It’s important to separate the facts from the lies. When you’re dealing with a perpetual liar, it can be difficult to know what’s true and what’s false. To avoid confusion and frustration, focus on the facts. Stick to what you know to be true, and avoid getting caught up in emotions or assumptions.

Set Boundaries

If you’re dealing with a perpetual liar on a regular basis, it’s important to set boundaries. Let them know that you won’t tolerate lies, and be clear about what you expect from them. This could mean limiting your interactions, avoiding certain topics, or simply being more cautious in your conversations.

Don't Enable the Behavior

Finally, it’s important not to enable the behavior. If you keep accepting someone’s lies, they’ll have no reason to stop. Make it clear that you won’t tolerate dishonesty, and hold them accountable for their actions. This might mean having difficult conversations or even ending the relationship altogether.

Dealing with perpetual liars can be incredibly challenging, but implementing these strategies can help you maintain your sanity. Remember to stay calm, focus on facts, set boundaries, and don’t enable the behavior. And above all, don’t let the lies of others define your self-worth. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself while still maintaining your relationships with those who struggle with honesty.