Friend whos obsessively lies - Thoughts?

[Ukadder]

A friend of mine has always lied about the odd thing. Usually it was girls he’s been with or cars he has owned (he has not actually passed his test, been saying he is learning to drive for 5 years now). Recently these lies are getting out of control to the point it's really starting to wind me up every time he speaks or starts one of his many rambles about how amazing everything in his life is, it’s nothing special, just a normal life like the rest of us.

He’s very likeable guy and really is nice but every other word out of his mouth I think is cow testicals, I’m sure some things he says are true….but I don’t believe anything. Everyone knows he lies and it's been going on for 6-7 years. Just recently it's starting to involve other friends and thats just not cricket. Sometimes I feel a bit sorry for him as has the laughing stock of our friends.

Really looking for the best way to break it to him, I think he has some kind of problem and I would love to help him as it's starting to alienate him from some social events. Any ideas for the best way to tackle it? I was thinking about a diary of events with the hope of showing it to him after a month and saying how all these things he said are lies. I don't want to be harsh or rude to him but make him understand and stop.

Anyone had dealings like this before with friends?

 

[D.P.]

Its a psychriatric problem, he should see a specialist. That would be my opinion as an almost graduated psych student.

 

[D4VE]

Anyone had dealings like this before with friends?

Ohhh yes. Some of my mates are really quite amazing people. They have spectacular salaries which dont match their qualifications and experience and have slept with more women than most p0rn stars.

The worst offender disappeared one day and we havent seen him since so no one had to "deal" with him.
Some others I just laugh and dont take notice. Its pathetic that they feel the need to lie about things to their mates to make themselves feel big, but sometimes they grow out of it.

 

[Rich_L]

Hmm I think you're making it up.

 

[Stellios]

Yes i have, i just laugh and walk off knowing its BS.

I bend the truth a little sometimes, but never blatently BS.

 

[Ukadder]

Just been talking to him on MSN, which is why the thread was started.

He has just stated his new job is 45K a year, company car, pention, dental and health plans.

Now, obviously there ARE jobs about that pay that! but he is currently earning £16K a year selling advertising space in a magazine. He has had 3 jobs in the last year after leaveing uni and still can't drive (nor had any lessons according to his mum) no offence to the lad but he has average inteligence at best and not the kind of mentality to do well in sales.

Another one that springs to mind is, for his uni project he was trying to market alcholic Dr Pepper, fair enought. But then he starts on about being contacted by companys willing to back him, how hes is getting a sponsership for his idea.

Played snooker with him last night. He is terribe, highest break of about 13. but LAST week when he went with a friend from work he had a 50+ break, I've played with him 20-30 times, hes terrible.

The list goes on and on.

 

[Hedge]

every time he blatantly lies just laugh at him and call him a pleb.

thats the key

 

[Pebbles]

I've just fallen out with a very good friend over the exact same thing. Started off as over exaggeration, ended up with awful lies about her parents health etc. I pulled her a few times on stuff but she had an answer for everything, but she ended up tripping herself up well and truly and had no way of talking her way out of it. Also anything I or anyone else in our circle of friends did, from going shopping to having a full on crisis she had to trump with sparkly bells on. Totally attention seeking but also totally unnecessary, she has a very magnetic vibrant personality that every loves without all the BS.

I feel angry still, but mostly sad. I ended up having a blazing row with her and telling her to stay out of my life until she realised she needed some kind of help (which I doubt will ever happen).

 

[reflex]

Im very bad at this. Iv just recently become aware of it and having read up on it, its link to me being depressed. I always lie even if its about somthing stupid or even to make me look worse/better than i am. Im working on it mentally currently and think im past it, havent lied in about a month i'd say

An example of this would be me saying i got say 15/20 in an exam when i got 14 or 16..Its a nasty habit and i have no idea how i fell into it.

 

[Bumhucker]

Although it is his own fault I think it's due to lack of self confidence, insecurity or low self-esteem. That's why he feels the need to big himself up all the time.

Maybe have a word with him. It may be a little embarassing and unecessary though. Just try encouraging or complimenting him more.

 

[G|mp]

Cows dont have testicles

That would be Bulls

 

[Burned_Alive]

Call him out on it, done this before and it worked out fine, if they're a proper friend itll work out.

 

[MR_Punk]

You just have to tell him to stop talking utter rubbish whenever you know he's lying!

+44

 

[sniffy]

every time he blatantly lies just laugh at him and call him a pleb.

thats the key

Bingo.

 

[Kanye]

There is a lad from work like that, always has to make out he is the best or has the best things... really gets on my nerves :|

 

[cleanbluesky]

Why not be honest with him?

* boom * boom *

 

[stig]

Cows dont have testicles

That would be Bulls

i think thats the point i.e what he says doeent exist and neither do cows testicles

*S

 

[-|ScottFree|-]

We have a few people at work that tell stories that are just well....absolute crackers.

One guy famous for his exploits of lying "Dave R", in his 60's now but loved to tell a tale. I loved it, some people were offended as they think he insulted there intelligence.

One of the Stories he told us was how he was standing at the Bus stop. His nephew drove along in a car exactly the same as the James Bond Aston Martin. His nephew asked if he wanted a lift so he jumped in the passenger seat and they were off. As they were driving along Dave said what does that button do, His nephew screamed "DON'T TOUCH THAT BUTTON" it was too late.......all of a sudden he was flying through the air on an ejector seat.

At this point I am crying with laughter, another collegue of mine who can't abide his lies screamed said " ok, were did you land, were did you land you lying *******

Dave replied, On a bouncy Castle just over the road.... I again creased with laughter while others scowl!!!

He is on a whole different plain when it comes to lies, I used to encourage it!!! Used to hear some right corkers!!!

 

[-|ScottFree|-]

On a side note, there was a Story that his father was on the Titanic, when he screamed "ICEBERG" the crew members said" Don't listen to that lying *******"

 

[Bumhucker]

<snip>

That's quality. When it's obviously a joke people should just treat it as that. Can't see why anyone would bother challenging the logic of a joke.

...bouncy castle!