“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”
I have found this to be good advice. It is always easier to recall the truth than something you made up. I have a stellar memory, it just is not always timely! I found fabrications I have tried in the past stressful and against the grain of my ethics.
In fairness, your memory of the truth can even change with time. It is influenced by conversations, experiences etc. Memories can also shift by things that happen that may stimulate clearer memories, It is still key to start with the base of what you see as truth at that point in time.
Lies tend to be like a ball rolling down hill. As they roll, they pick up more dirt and may cause you to have to support lies with more lies or fantasy.
Simple example: You get invited to an outing and you really do not want to go. Do you:
- Reluctantly go
- Make up an excuse as to why you cannot go
- Gracefully decline
My preference: #3 If you must: #1 Most likely to roll down hill: #2
Even little white lies are lies. If you do not want to say something that you think might hurt someone’s feelings, do not say anything.
If someone asks you for an opinion, answer honestly but pick your words carefully. Example: How do you like my new hairstyle? YIKES… you do not like it. You could respond, it is not something I could carry off but you know what you like.
I love a good mystery show. In these you can see the psychology that is used by the detectives rely on catching people in lies and making contradictory statements.
Lesson learned: Be caught in the truth and not in a fabrication!