Catching A Liar

It is said that if a lie is repeated often enough, it will eventually be believed as true; no matter how big the lie. And the worst is that the bigger the lie, the easier it is believed. It sounds so unbelievable, therefore it must be true!

Lying is a repetitive action. A lie left on its own will soon betray itself. It will quickly need another lie to cover some of the inconsistencies of previous lies. This is what makes some people such excellent liars; they will tell a small lie at first to pave the way for a bigger lie to follow, which is then swallowed hook, line and sinker.

Because one lie leads to another, and another and another to keep up continuity, the liar needs to keep track of his lies. This is best done by believing his own lies. At this stage lying had become a way of living and the liar’s entire life is a lie.

The problem is that the liar not only lies to Mary, also to Peter and Paul. But Mary, Peter and Paul are very different individuals with different circumstances and therefore need different lies to fit the situation. This can work ok if the liar can keep track of his lies… until Mary, Peter and Paul get together one day.

Liars tend to repeat their lies. And they will invent new lies to justify old lies. They allow their lies to grow by adding bits of detail every time the story is told. This is where the small inconsistencies come to light. Their undoing in the end!

To catch a liar, never challenge him. Let him believe that you believe him. Ask for detail if you must but only superficially. Never interrogate him. Given enough rope he will hang himself in the end.

I am a good listener, especially for what is said between the lines and for what is not said at all. That is what normally betrays the accomplished liar. Lie to me once and I will never believe that person again; not even when he speaks the truth but he will never know that.


Relax man, it is weekend.