Love Lounge: Those little lies we tell ourselves

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I'm so over him.

 

I'm not mad at her.

I can do this all by myself.

I don't need anyone.

Those are just some of the lies we tell ourselves. Well, those are some of the lies I've told myself over the years, anyway.

Lies. They're a funny thing, aren't they? The way they seem to creep up and just completely take over. When you think about it, not all lies are created equal. There are those lies we tell to save face. There are those little white lies we dispense to protect someone's feelings. But it's those lies we constantly tell ourselves that seem to be the most damaging in the end. If we're not careful, we can quickly find ourselves believing those lies and giving them far more power than they deserve.

So why is it, then, that when we're faced with the choice -- looking truth square in the eyes or giving credence to a lie we've told ourselves -- most of us would choose the lie over anything else? Maybe it's just easier and less traumatic in the short-term to believe a lie. Facing the truth can be difficult and scary -- leaving you feeling vulnerable in your own skin. Maybe it's sort of like pulling the curtain back on the Wizard of Oz. We know all about the lie. We know what to expect. It's safe. But once we take those first steps towards the truth -- or, peeking to see just who it is behind the curtain -- there's no going back. We can't easily turn around, no matter how much we want to.

And in the end, how do we know when enough is enough? When do you realize that those lies aren't getting us anywhere and are just a waste of time? Because it takes courage to stand in front of that mirror, take off that mask we've been wearing for so long and look at ourselves -- really look at ourselves -- for the first time. I suppose it's an unveiling of sorts.

So, friends, I'd love to know: Why do we keep lying to ourselves, even when we know it's not true? When does lying to ourselves become self-destructive? Is it just easier to lie than face the truth? What lies have you told yourself over the years? xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]