I am not sure why lying can become compulsive. I have one friend who tends to inflate goings on for the sake of a good story. It is obvious when she exaggerates some facts but I enjoy her tales as long as the central story seems to be honest and she has no ulterior motive. On the other hand I have a family acquaintance who just can't seem to tell the truth at all constantly stretching it to relay a different meaning to their own end. They have been getting themselves into a lot of trouble lately as their lies are beginning to catch up with them. I only wish this individual would admit and own up to his misstruths. Acknowledging his faleshoods and taking responsibility for them is all it would take to regain some trust and badly needed respect. I think an increase in their confidence and self-assurance would go far in establishing this end too. Perhaps even giving himself a sense of freedom - freedom to be himself - would provide him a lull in the need to be dishonest.