Lying is a little more complicated than you think. It's not just about telling a falsehood.
Talking Points:
- The first way to lie is the straight lie. This is when you simply just tell someone something that isn’t the truth and you know it. This is the one you typically think about when it comes to lying.
- The second is the half truth. This is when you tell someone some of the truth, but not all of it. You conceal a little bit of the truth just to keep yourself in the right and away from punishment.
- The third is the spin. This is when you manipulate the facts to your advantage.
- The fourth way to lie is by embellishing. This is when you misrepresent the facts to make yourself look good.
- The fifth way is diverting. This is when you just switch the conversation topic in order to throw people off your scent.
- The sixth way to lie is up to you to discover. Think of ways that you avoid the truth in your own life and add them to this list.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is the funniest or most obvious lie anyone has ever told you? Did you know it was a lie right off the bat?
- How do you feel when others lie to you? Explain. Why is any form of lying detrimental to healthy relationships?
- Which of these six ways to lie do you most often use? Why?
- What is the sixth way to lie that you would add to this list?
- How can you take measure to avoid these six ways to lie?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
