To understand why we lie, we need not look any further than our own mothers.  They are the ones who taught us how to lie and when those lies were appropriate.  Of course, we as little girls, never wanted to believe our mommies would do such a thing, but they did—just as their mothers more than likely lied to them.

The experts call it “parenting by lying.”  It’s a strategy used to manipulate a young child’s behavior and emotions.  Our mothers warned us about all of the bad things that would happen to us of we didn’t do what they told us to do.  They even conned us into good behavior all year long by reminding us that Santa Claus wouldn’t bring us any toys if we were naughty.

Sometimes the lies our mothers told us were absolutely necessary. They were meant to protect is from hurt or just to make us happy.

To read more about the lies women tell and the role aging plays in the process,  I invite you to order a copy of my ebook, Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie.

What lies do you recall your mother or other family member telling you to spare your feelings or to simply put a smile on your face?