I have created a new username because I'm so ashamed. Does anyone ever exaggerate their trauma or things that they have been through? I have done it big time. As a child, I truly was abused and neglected, just not to the extent I say that I was. For example, I was molested for around a year at 13. That part is true. Since I became an adult, I say the molestation started much younger and lasted more years than it did. I also say it was a physically forceful and traumatic rape when it wasn't. I have exaggerated several details about it. It was more of a sexual relationship. Yes I know it was statutory rape but it certainly wasn't violent, forceful or unwanted like I say it was. Our relationship was found out and he went to jail for a bit. I did tell the complete truth to police - no exaggeration. (Side note, I don't even live in the same country where it happened anymore so his name is not being tarnished by what I am saying now) Lying about how young it started is because I'm so ashamed at how old I was when it happened. Like it somehow makes me more innocent and less like a willing partner in it. I also exaggerate in the hopes of getting love. Like it's the only way I can get somebody to care about me. I also get why I do it, everything I went through as a child was minimized or ignored. I absolutely hate that I have done this and plan to not do it again. My husband died 3 years ago and I feel like he is in heaven hating me for lying to him. I have been seeing a T for 2 years at my University and don't plan on telling her I have done this. I think I will see a new T and talk about my exaggerations. Or I guess I should call them outright lies. So I will get help for it. But I'm really struggling with feeling like a horrid, no good person. Do I need to confess to everyone I have lied/exaggerated too? Have any of you ever done this?