I Lied for Two Weeks and This Is What Happened

2025-09-04 18:00:19.47

The author, engaged to Jared, confesses to a habitual tendency to lie, especially when declining invitations. She feels lying is more polite than stating a lack of interest. However, after being caught in lies and feeling bad about it, she embarks on a two-week experiment of complete honesty. She explores the reasons why people lie, citing experts who suggest it's often for altruistic reasons, to avoid negative evaluation, or simply because it's easier than explaining the truth. While acknowledging that lies can sometimes smooth social interactions, she discovers the negative physical and emotional effects of lying, including increased stress and anxiety. The experiment challenges her assumptions about how much others care about her actions and reveals that honesty, while sometimes uncomfortable, often leads to better relationships and self-respect. Although she concludes the experiment, she admits that there are situations where a small lie might be preferable, but she has gained a new appreciation for the value of honesty.