Let’s be honest; nearly everyone lies from time to time.
However, excessive ordestructive lyingcan irreparably harm your relationship with your spouse.
So, what counts as deception in a relationship?
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Knowing how to spot a liar in a relationship can be helpful.
However,detecting a lie isn’t easy.
And sometimes, your suspicions can get in the way of finding out the truth.
People choose to lie for many underlying reasons.
Their reasons for lying may be well-intentioned and benignor they could be deliberate attempts to cause pain.
So, while you may believe someone is lying, it can be difficult to know for sure.
Scientists even have conflicting views about this topic.
Some researchers state that eye movement is not a good predictor of lies, for example.
Should You Confront Deception in a Relationship?
Once you suspect a person is lying, should you confront them immediately or wait for further proof?
Should You Forgive Your Partner?
Similarly, only you’ve got the option to decide how much lying is acceptable in your relationship.
If you are struggling with problems due to lying in a relationship,consider marriage counseling.
When to Leave a Lying Partner
A small amount of lying is common in romantic relationships.
For instance, your partner might leave out details about a past relationship.
It’s not unusual for people to downplay certain things so that keep peace in their relationships.
Once you know your own boundaries, talk about them with your partner.
Do you both agree on what it means to deceive the other?
What information is non-negotiable?
What is unacceptable to be dishonest about?
You may also ask yourself: Am I giving my partner enough space to share information with me?
When you setboundaries in relationships, it’s important to set consequences.
If they continue lying, it’s important to follow through on the consequences.
The bottom line: Honesty is a healthier approach for a happy marriage.
It depends on why and how your spouse is lying.
People who engage inemotional abuseoften lie as a way to control and manipulate their partner.
If the accusation is false, you may want to consider why your spouse suspects you of lying.
Are they insecure in your relationship?
Has your level of intimacy changed recently?
Are they gaslighting you, or cheating themselves?
Figuring out the why can help guide you to decide what to do next.
Recognizing deception often involves looking at patterns of behavior and trusting your instincts.
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