We often think of our relationships with family and friends as one-sided battles—we're the ones that must work hard at developing trust and respect. But what if your other half is constantly lying and unable to keep his or her word? In this situation, it's easy to feel like you're fighting a losing battle.
When faced with a constant barrage of dishonesty, some people give in and accept the situation for what it is. Others may try to confront the issue but find that no matter how hard they push against the wall of deceit, their partner manages to slip away unscathed. It can be incredibly frustrating and leave one feeling completely powerless.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to survive the lies and deception that have engulfed your relationship. The following tips will help you regain a sense of control and power while protecting yourself from further harm.
First and foremost, don't invest too much emotion into trying to uncover the truth. When we're heavily invested in learning the truth, it's easy to become obsessed with forcing the other person to admit to it. This only leads to more battles, as your partner won't change unless he or she wants to. Instead, focus on your own feelings, noting how their actions make you feel.
Be firm, yet compassionate. Firmly state that you expect honesty and respect from your partner and will not tolerate anything less. At the same time, acknowledge that the situation is likely difficult for him or her. Consider offering help in the form of therapy or counseling. Speak to your partner about seeking professional help for his or her problem with lying, but do so without placing blame or criticizing them.
Take charge of your own life. Don't let your partner's dishonesty prevent you from living a full life. Nurture yourself, spend time with supportive friends and family, and focus on the positive aspects of your relationship. Keep in mind that while you can't control your partner's behavior, you can control your response to it.
Finally, recognize that unfaithfulness can be an indicator of greater underlying issues. It's important to remember that deceitful behavior is often symptomatic of a larger problem. Before continuing on with the relationship, it's a good idea to assess your partner's willingness to confront and address whatever is causing the lies in the first place.
Dealing with lies and deception in a relationship can be incredibly difficult. But it is possible to survive this emotional minefield by remaining firm and taking charge of your own life. When faced with the impossible, remember that you cannot control the outcome of this situation, but you can protect yourself from further harm.
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