Making up questions

I'm guilty of doing this a few times with my T and friends for that matter, maybe I'm just an attention seeker or whatever you call it. I will sometimes make up a story or event in my life just so I can talk about it with my T. Most of the stories I make up are bad things that didn't really happen to me. I sometimes wish them on myself because I hate who I am, so I just wish something bad will happen to me.

Does anyone else make up stories or lie about what has happened to them just to get "attention"?

Hmm, that's interesting GenCat...have you ever admitted that to your T, or anyone? Do you know why you do it; why you need that sort of attention? What is your motivation behind telling these lies?

I actually do the opposite - I have lied to friends, and at times to my T, to make things better than they were. I don't like the attention, or I'm ashamed of things that happened, so I lie to hide them...or at least omit big, bad, and likely important details. I do it for a variety of reasons including self-protection, trying to not be a burden, not trusting people, etc.

So, yes, I have "made up" stories or not told the truth about things, but for exactly the opposite reason as you. Funny the things we do, eh?

No, I have not mentioned this to my T, I've just gotten a new T last month. My major issues to work on are my Anxiety and Depression that keep me from living the life I'd like to live.

I will tell my T eventually when I feel the time is right, but I don't know why I do it. I guess because I wish I was someone else, someone who is more loved and who gets more attention than I do. I do wish horrid things on my self and then I think why did I just think that?!

At other times, I do try and hide some things that have happened to me out of shame, but lately I've realized that being straight forward about my problems is the only way to get them solved; even if I think my T will look down on me. I too over value my relationship with my T, which sometimes I think I didn't so much.

No I have never lied about things like that to my t. I very much value honesty and that goes against all of my morals. I have however, maybe made an event that happened sound like more than it was... or exaggerated an issue I was having. But nothing with malicious intent and not to get attention. Just because i felt like the issue wasn't worth talking about.

My T says truth isn't black and white. He also told me that, if I lied, he would be respectful of that and interested in how I constructed my world.

This habit of yours is fulfilling some need or other. I think it would be worth talking to your t so you could try to figure out what and why.

I agree with tinyrabbit - great advice!

I have become fond of what is a bit of a truism, as in, just because it didn't happen, it doesn't mean it isn't true.

Hi Anne, I'm not sure I understand what this means, can you explain?

Do you make these things up because you feel that your true problems/issues are too 'trivial?' Are you afraid your therapist won't be interested in or willing to help you with them? Do you think they wouldn't be sympathetic if they knew the 'real you?'

I don't know that you need to admit to the making things up right away, but I think a good place to start, if the above is true, is to discuss it (the Why's behind it). I think most therapists would be happy to have this conversation and your T may be able to help you a great deal with the core issues behind what is going on.

I'm pretty much just the opposite. I sometimes do not tell my T about significant stuff...or I may fluff it up a bit...not a good thing, I'm working on it. I agree with the others...you may want to discuss this with your T...could be enlightening for you

There's a good answer and comments here from a therapist: Why do I lie to get attention? | Ask the Therapist