I think many people lie because telling the truth is not something they can really do. If I am late to a function because I had a really challenging PTSD moment I don't tell my customer I was late because of the PTSD. I am sure many individuals that are suffering from a mental illness lie rather than say they did not do something because they were so severely depressed they could not function etc.

However, there "are" lies that are harmful, people get online and lie about who they are and play mind games, that not only hurts them but others as well. Sadly, they always like to pick those who are unsuspecting, be it young and inexperienced, or, challenged in some other way.

It is more important to ask yourself "why" you need to lie. If it's to belong somehow, then it isn't worth it because it's not real, it's not being "the true you" and its not really productive.

How many reach out for help and find a therapist and lie for fear of being "judged poorly", so much time wasted on that, time better spent with doing one's best to be honest and work together with the therapist to figure out the "whys" to the deep internal pain that is there needing to be shared and validated and "healed".

I tend to cherish those moments when I am with someone who says, I pretend to be this but inside I am in so much pain. That is when I can actually reach out to that person and help that person and I feel honored that that person is sharing with me too. I have had some amazing conversations with people, and it is those conversations that I not only learn, but really have come to appreciate what "honesty" really means, how deep it can go and the richness it can provide, it's a universe away from the "lies and deception", because it's "real".

You know that saying, "the truth shall set you free"? Well, it really does if one is brave enough to try it.

Looks like you want to try it IT. Well, that is a good path to set out on.