The simple explanation for this phrase is that “fibbing” is naughty and pants on fire refers to a spanking. Derivation aside, I am here to talk about lying. I don’t like it. The worst thing you can do to me is lie. Whenever my children did it, there were serious consequences. To me, lying is tantamount to betrayal, and that takes it to a whole new level. I remember as a child getting into big trouble if I lied, so even when I knew the outcome would be harsh, I always told the truth, to the point of my own detriment.
Then there are “white lies”. It’s deemed acceptable to tell a white lie because white lies are to protect the person being lied to, to keep their feelings from being hurt. “Your new haircut is very becoming!” “Your baby is adorable!” If I find myself in that situation, I do sometimes (but I am cringing when I do) tell a white lie when there is no escaping it. Otherwise I say something neutral or vague like “That haircut really suits you” or “Your baby looks just like you!”
I have known people who lie like a rug. I have listened to them on the phone telling someone they are on their way out of town, or their company just arrived. The worst one I heard was someone telling a doctor they needed to be in the operating room with their child and when told “no” said “But it would be detrimental to my child if I am not there. I’m a psychiatrist and I know these things.” That one stunned me to my core.
Why do we lie? For children, that’s an easy answer, when the truth will get them into trouble. As a child, you will do anything to avoid punishment. I come from an era where fathers spanked their children and I got my fair share. Getting my father mad at me was beyond scary. That’s enough to make a child very creative. As I mentioned earlier, it didn’t work well for me because I didn’t like lying.
Why do adults lie? There is not enough time to go into that deep question. Many reasons, to get what they want, to impress someone, make themselves sound more important, to keep the truth from someone they don’t want to hurt. Is lying ever acceptable? You’re asking the wrong person. It’s one of my hot buttons.
Next time you are about to lie, ask yourself if it really is the right thing to do. Weigh the consequences of telling the truth instead. Think about it long and hard. Lying is not a good thing, not in my mind, ever.
So, what did you think of my blog? :))