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Lies, Lies, Lies: How Are You Fooling Yourself?

A white wedding dress, the toupee, and New Year’s resolutions. Certain lies need no explanation, but is a padded bra really lying? I suppose it’s just false advertising, or “doing the best with what you’ve got” depending how you lie to yourself about it. Botox, “natural make-up,” and let’s just face it, Snackwells. “I’ll start on Monday,” laughing at a knock-knock joke, tinted eyelashes, an orange tan, and Canal Street. “Just five more minutes,” “I’m fine,” and “What bald spot?” Spanx, Lip Venom, and platform heels. “It’s homemade,” “I was just about to,” and “Yeah, it’s the hardest I’ve ever felt.” “I never lie.”

In my newest book, Moose: A Memoir of Fat Camp, I reveal the ways I’ve lied in my life, and not surprisingly, it’s not only about the lies we tell to others but the lies we tell ourselves.

Sometimes the falsehoods are more intricate, revealing insecurities at play, or our fear of what others may think of us. Have you ever stopped to consider what kind of lies you tell? What types of secrets you agree to keep for others, and what that says about you?

The giveaway ended August 1st, but you can still add your story to this chit chat. Look for more giveaways soon and stand by for an announcement about our winner.

07.29.2008 Report
I've come to realize that I have nothing to lie about because I'm OK just like I am. I spent decades distancing myself from people so they couldn't judge me, and painfully realized that the judge I couldn't escape was myself. I didn't want to renew old friendships, because then I'd have to tell what I'd been doing for the past 10,20,30, years. Operating under the self-delusion that I was fine and everyone else was an idiot was not just lying to myself; it was hiding. Then a chance to reconnect offered itself, and I became almost obsessed with justifying myself. That wasn't the answer either. I seek new insight every day, and Thank God, it is there! Susan Heller
07.29.2008 Report
Is it good- SOMETIMES- to tell a little white lie?
07.29.2008 Report
I'm lousy at telling lies, so I avoid it :)
There were only a couple of times in my life so far when it was really important to not tell the truth and I did it very smoothly, but that's because it was really the right thing to do in that circumstances.
07.29.2008 Report
in the arabic byword ( satisfy people is destination will not reach )
i will never lie because people because thay doesnt matter with me....
07.28.2008 Report
If you omit something is that really a lie?
07.28.2008 Report
Ever since I was little I have had a problem with omitting details to avoid getting in trouble. I find myself doing that now in my relationship. If I think that there will be a bad reaction to something I simply don't tell him things. It can sometimes be a problem when it snowballs into more untold lies until I have to tell him and it's ten times worse. Usually about money issues.
07.28.2008 Report
I try not to tell a lie hubby always knows if I do he says he can tell from my eyes
07.28.2008 Report
I lie sometimes but its usually so me or someone else will not get in trouble. But the biggest is denial, I always wear some type of heel even in summer b/c I am self conscious of my height.
07.27.2008 Report
I'm finding it hard to try to teach my children the value of honesty and then catch myself telling 'little white lies' which makes me feel like such a hypocrite. I try my hardest not to lie, but it is something I struggle with because always telling the truth is at time hurtful to other and to yourself.
07.27.2008 Report
As I've grown older, I've become more honest. I'm much more open and honest about my feelings. I lived in denial for many, many years. And it sure feels better to let myself be known as I really am.
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