16 Lies Everyone Told at Least Once
Children start lying at 2, and as we grow older, our lies become more common. We lie in our relationships, at the doctors, and at work, and though some researchers claim a person says 1 to 2 lies per day, others suggest that number is much higher, or 10 to 15 lies daily. Many factors influence lying, but the truth is that most of us are liars, especially if you count on so-called white lies. But which lies so popular that every person said it at least once? Let’s find out the truth!
Traffic was a nightmare
Whenever we’re late, we blame the traffic. Some surveys suggested that around 51 percent of workers used this line as an excuse. It also works when you’re late because you have to grab a drink with your work buddies or if you can’t get out of bed because the game or TV show is that good.
You’ve lost weight
If we’re in a mood to make someone feel good, we may tell them they lost weight. But, this lie (and, in most cases, it is a lie) can also come in handy when we can’t recall someone’s name or where we met them. It is also a way to charm any lady and even be motivational, so despite being a widespread lie, it is not harmful.
It’s going to be OK
We say this to others and ourselves. We have no idea what the outcome is, but if nothing else, this simple statement brings hope. It might be a lie, but in many instances, it is also a coping mechanism. If we say it enough times, it might come true, right?
I’m almost there
Another similar version is, “I’ll be there in five.” We live hectic lives, and not all of us are good at handling our responsibilities, so we might forget brunch dates. Perhaps we remember the date but did not get up on time to get ready. It doesn’t matter, as long as we arrive, despite the traffic and all other excuses that come with the phrase, “I’m almost there.”
I did not see your text/call
It is impossible to avoid texts, calls, emails, and social media messages in the modern day and age. Sometimes, we got too busy, or we merely did not feel like texting or talking. So, we pretend we did get the message or didn’t see it despite knowing all too well that it’s a lie.
I am not angry
When you’re bursting with rage, yet you know you need time to process information or to get home and scream into a pillow, the best answer is to lie. You have every right to be angry, but if you don’t want to deal with it now, instead of saying that, you might use the “I’m not angry” phrase, and that’s your prerogative.
I read the terms and conditions
No one reads the terms and conditions. It is 55 pages long, all in the tiniest letters known to humankind. Additionally, we know that whatever’s in these terms and conditions will not change our minds, and it is not written in a friendly manner, so why bother? Most of us don’t think those who wrote it bothered reading all the terms and conditions.
It’s not you, it’s me
Whoever came up with this line should be awarded because it might be cliche, but it is one of the best ways to leave someone without getting into arguments and making them feel bad. Other versions include “I’m not ready” and “It’s not the right time.” However, it is about sparing someone’s feelings, and therefore, it is a noble lie.
This is the best gift ever
Your aunt knitted you a chunky sweater, so what will you do, break her heart? Your partner gifted you a pair of gold earrings despite knowing that you only wear silver, but it is a gift, so you can be graceful or lie. Showing enthusiasm will make the other person feel good, and since you love them, it will warm your heart.
I didn’t do it
Other versions may include, “I did not touch it” or “I have no idea what happened.” This is a common phrase when we mess up with electronic devices, phones, laptops, etc. It can be because we don’t want to accept responsibility or because we’re generally so confused by whatever popped up that we just freeze and say the first thing that pops into our minds.
I’m listening
If you intend to listen, but your mind keeps wandering, is it a lie or a half-truth? Regardless, people know when you’re listening, so you might want to tell them you’re distracted. There’s no shame in admitting that you cannot focus on them, and if you care for them, you will want to give them undivided attention.
Tell me the truth, I won’t be mad
The moment you say these words, you know you will regret them. Yet, the person next to you needs encouragement, and you need to learn the truth, so keep it cool for at least a few minutes. If you explode, this line won’t work next time with this person, but it will work on someone else.
I’m kidding
We may say something stupid or hurtful, so we lie instead of getting into an argument or turning it into a big deal. And even if the other person knows we’re backtracking to spare their feelings or avoid fighting, we know we were serious. Maybe it sounded better in our heads, but it is a common lie that has its purpose.
I’m starving
Everyone needs a little drama in their lives. Starving comes from Old English and was used to describe a person starving to death. But, we are merely hungry, and to avoid becoming cranky, we announce that we’re either starving or, even worse, we are famished. It is exaggerated and over the top, but is it a lie or figure of speech?
I don’t watch TV
Most people no longer watch TV, but we watch our phones and laptops, so it is basically the same. There is a sense of superiority when we say we don’t watch TV while looking at Netflix on our iPads. It is a silly little lie that doesn’t hurt anyone, so we will pretend that we’re back in the 90s when not watching TV meant something different entirely.
Men lie more than women
We lie to gain an advantage, spare someone’s feelings, fit in, protect someone or ourselves, etc. Most people agree that lying is acceptable to a degree, and men and women use similar lines, though men tend to lie more than women. The Science Museum of London survey found that men tell three lies daily compared to women, who make two. But is it about quantity or about quality? Let us know in the comments!
Teacher fired after refusing to use student’s preferred pronouns scores major legal victory
Teacher fired after refusing to use student’s preferred pronouns scores major legal victory