Everyone lies, right?
Oh, it’s just me?
Well, I don’t lie to others, but I do lie to myself. I bet you do, too.
Here are the Top 10 Lies I Tell Myself…
1. I’ve earned this cupcake. I’ve been good or had a stressful day, so one can’t hurt, right? Only thing is, I also tell myself I’ll workout, which I never do.
2. Sweets are my nicotine. Okay, this is true. They are most definitely like nicotine for me. But, what’s not true is my comparison that it’s as addicting as nicotine… that kind of upsets my hubby.
3. I need to work (outside of the home/kids) to survive. No, i don’t. I just need to take this time to let the kids be my job and take joy in keeping my home.
4. That poor kitten needs a home. Okay, again, this is probably true, but he doesn’t need my home – I already have 4 cats… and 2 dogs.
5. I’m coming to bed soon (or I’m not going to stay up late). Yeah right. I’m a night owl and always have been – this goes right along with…
6. Tomorrow, I won’t take a nap when the babies nap… ZZZZZZZ
7. Another $30 won’t hurt. Really? We’re living on one budget and have tons of medical bills. And I want to buy something else?
8. I’m really a size 8. Hmm… Clothing sizes must have gotten smaller, right? No. I’m really in need of exercise, not of disillusioning myself…
9. I’ll just look at my phone one more time before bed. Ha! An hour later…
10. Sure, dear, I’ll do that in just a sec. No, that’s not my husband’s lie, it’s mine. I’m just as guilty of forgetting what I’ve said I’d do as he is.
What about you? What do you lie to yourself about? Tell me in the comments below and let’s see who’s got the best lies!
tikilon says
I try not to lie to myself. I think the one person you should be honest with is yourself. I believe in doing a self assessment to see where I fall short and correcting those areas.
Angela says
Oh I agree that we shouldn’t lie to ourselves, but I think we all do it in one form or another. Being honest about that is a form of self-assessment and the first step to overcoming is admitting!
Tracy @ usingtimewisely.com says
I’ll just jump on social media to wish someone a happy birthday. Though I do so, I also end up spending too much time scrolling through the updates.
Shan says
Did “I” write this post or did you??? LOL
Seriously, it’s refreshing to know that you do this like I do. Isn’t it funny, the voices in our heads that we have to contend with also. Thank goodness for a tiny amount of spiritual maturity that I am finally starting to feel as I know how to listen to the Lord more and get Him to help me with those lies I say to myself.
I tend to be super harsh on me.
blessings from your new “blogelina” friend,
Shan
http://www.The-How-to-Guru.com
Angela says
Isn’t that the truth!? We are harder on ourselves… I’m so glad that you can relate… glad to know I’m not alone!
Ashely says
So many of the ‘lies’ you listed I agree with! While I’ve never really thought of them as being ‘lies’ they are and I am so guilty, especially the one that mentions looking at your phone once before bed- impossible!!! Wonderful post!!
Angela says
LOL! Thanks for the comment – I guess they aren’t ‘lies’, but they’re half-truths – does that work? I mean, if we say something we *know* we aren’t going to follow through with or that isn’t 100% accurate… right?
madeactually says
Each Sunday during the worship service, I tell myself I’ll study my Bible more this week.
I’ll get up early tomorrow so I can get more in.
I’ll call my parents later, I need to do something else right now.
I guess I could go on….glad I’m not the only one!
julieadolf says
LOL–the cupcake lie, definitely, is one I tell myself! I’m just a sweet-a-holic, and if it’s not a cupcake, I’ll find something chocolate. It’s a mood booster, definitely. I’m also terrible about reading too much, which doesn’t sound like a bad thing. However, I lie to myself and say that I’ll only read one more page…and suddenly, it’s 3 a.m. I’m afraid that will never change, since I did the same thing as a kid unbeknownst to my parents! Ah, those nasty little lies we tell ourselves! ๐
Angela says
Kindred spirit here! ANYTHING sweet or chocolate. Totally addicted. And as for the reading thing… I don’t know how people don’t like it – if I could do nothing us but read, I’d be in heaven!
Kate says
I’m always bad for saying I”m going to clean something and then get totally distracted or tired and completely forget about it. It’s a bad habit, but I am working on breaking it ASAP! Thanks for a great post -Kate
ThingsInMyHeadBlog says
haha, the biggest one I tell myself is, I will do that before bed….nope, never gets done before bed. Cute post!
Vinma Joseph (@amomlessmom) says
haha..I loved your list… and I think most of the ‘lies’ you have told yourself are the ones I have told myself too… well, the only change I would make is instead of cupcakes, I will go for chocolates.. lol
Carla BeDell says
Biggest one I tell myself? I will be more motivated tomorrow. I’ll get it all done then. Right!
moandmh says
“One more won’t hurt!” Um yah, and I wear a size 8 too (in my dreams)! I have to admit I never really thought of it as lying to myself… maybe more like a an unsuccessful to-do list. But you’re right, I can’t think of any other way to put it. It’s so funny how we expect others to be honest with us, yet we aren’t honest with ourself. Thought provoking!
Angela says
Thanks! I’m glad that it made people think – I was going for funny, but thought-provoking is great! That seems to be a consensus here!
Sarah says
#9 is my biggie, only for me it’s a few minutes if candy crush (or whatever game currently has my fancy). My other biggie is similar to Carla’s, I’ll work on this project or that one while munchkin is napping. I have actually managed to follow through on this one the last two days.
Lindsey Whitney (@lrwhitney) says
Yes… yes.. yes… I’m really bad at going to bed. One more chapter. One more blog post. Just going to pick up a few more things. Also, I am AWFUL about checking my email. It’s almost compulsive… if I walk by the computer I have to check it… Oh, this will just take a second. Yikes! I also am also telling myself “We’re going to have a family game night soon”…. no… guess not. There’s still hope, right?
Angela says
Ugh, email… right!? All the ‘focus’ people say to turn off the email notifications and other notification sounds, but I just can’t! I feel like I’m missing something important… LOL
Liz says
Ugh, the “one cupcake can’t work” lie. Yup, one probably won’t hurt, but with me it turns into 3. Same with the money lie. I will spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars at Target because each item is only $20, but I refuse to spend $200 on a well made dress because it’s $200!!
Elizabeth
PINKx3.com
Gina says
Oh, my gosh, we have so much in common! I definitely relate to every. single. one. of your list! After going through the twins and a 2yo thing, I felt like I deserved everything–eating too much, spending money, etc.–without the guilt. Now that we’re years past that, I am much more honest with myself.
Angela says
Oh I’m so glad someone out there is like me! And, again, you’re a mom of multiples (I remember you from your blog when I visited!) so I know you really understand! ๐
pricelessyona says
I am notorious for saying to my sweetie: ‘I was just going to do that…’ – when I know good and well that I wasn’t. I may have been thinking about doing it, or it crossed my mind to get around to doing something…but that phrase always comes out of my mouth…especially when it comes to doing the dishes.
I also have a habit of lying to myself when I make future dates to start eating better and exercising more. I’ve missed the last three dates I’ve set for myself in September. If I don’t decide to just do it right then and there, I won’t take it seriously. In the back of my head, I know this, but I lie to myself anyways. I always lie to myself by saying that I ‘have’ to start eating right on a Monday…like that really makes a difference…aside from getting a few extra days to eat recklessly.
Angela says
Ugh, so true! You took the words right out of my mouth – if I had expanded on my list, I would have written pretty much exactly what you did!
Modern Gypsy says
I agree with so many of those! Especially the ones about going to bed early (as if!) and starting a work out regime (but I’m so tired right now! Tomorrow, promise!)
masulinka says
I don’t have time for _______.
I can complete a never ending to-do list today.
I can’t do ____, because I’m not ____ enough.
Angela says
These are pretty universal I have a feeling… why do we do this to ourselves?
Julie says
I’m definitely guilty of doing #5, 9, and 10. Haha! I always say I’m going to bed soon, which I technically do, but then I whip out my phone in bed and stay up for a couple of hours more. :p
Angela says
All. the. time! My hubby will ask me when I came to bed, but then he’ll clarify: When did you go to sleep, not just when you came to bed? LOL. He knows me too well!
Crystal Hatcher says
Lies are so easy to tell ourselves! I’ve really struggled with #3 – but I’m working at having peace with what God has called me to in blogging and being obedient. #2 I’ve found is very true for me! I am gluten intolerant and found out that eating wheat/gluten does have a drug-like affect on me making me crave it like nothing else!
Angela says
I’m glad that you are working on #3 in the way you are – I think that’s what will make the difference. At least, bringing God into it makes the difference for me. ๐
beingawordsmith says
Relatable list for me. #1, #5, #9, and #10 are the lies I tell myself. Bargaining is what it comes down to. Yet, I don’t hold up my end. Visiting from Commentathon.
Angela says
Yes! That’s it… bargaining. ๐
jrcsparks says
I will start this project and finish it – TOTALLY!
Michelle says
#5 for sure! I also say to myself “calories don’t count today” every single day. Sadly, calories do count. Every single one of them…
Angela says
Oy. Isn’t that the truth! I used to hear my mom say that if you break the cookie in half, all the calories fall out. LOL. Right…
Louisa says
These are just little white lies… ๐ Number 1 definitely and number 9 are things i can strongly relate to.
Isabelle Goyer says
LOL too funny!! And to think I’ve always said that I am honest!! To the others, yes! But you are right, we all, at one time or another, lie to ourselves!!
Angela says
I definitely think so! Even if we don’t realize we’re doing it… it’s still a lie.
Mary says
Well in some cases i try to motivate myself to do the work but i always am trying not to lie to myself in my opinion.
pamhoward96409071 says
I do the cupcake one – but mine goes “I’ve done so well today or it’s going to be so cold out at soccer practice that I’ll just nip into Starbucks for a mocha. I’ll make it decaf and non-fat!”
Angela says
Right?! Finding ways to get what you want anyways… yep!
Rachel says
Haha, very cute! I’m guilty of #1 to console myself on a stressful day (although it’s usually a piece of chocolate not a cupcake).
Carrie says
My big lie–“I’ll only be on the computer for a second!”
Liss Lovejoy says
Yeah I had the I have been doing so great on my new healthy lifestyle that a brownie won’t hurt me moment this week…nope it didn’t but I fear that the other 3 I ate might. Oh and not calling what I am doing a diet, I call it my new healthy lifestyle. Either way I am on a diet but my brain loves healthy lifestyle than the word diet.
Angela says
Me too! But, I still eat more than one… Oops!
Momwithahook- Sara says
just one more bite. I can afford this. I’ll take care of that later. Just one more minute. Today I will exercise. plenty more lies I tell myself but I’m glad I recognize them as lies and am not truly deceiving myself.
Angela says
I definitely think that’s key! Admission and recognition are the first steps to overcoming obstacles, right?
tobnatural says
Great article! I’m so guilty of numbers 9 & 10. Instagram is my weakness. I go to look at ONE thing just before bed and I’m on another half hour or longer. What’s funny is, my phone/social media is usually the thing that causes me to forget to do that thing I was supposed to! ๐
Stephanie S. says
I’ll exercise tomorrow–first thing when I get up! LOL! Never happens. Or I’ll eat better, start cooking more homemade meals, and especially include more fruits and veggies! And your not staying up late is me too. It’s so easy to stay up too late…especially if I’m on the computer! Yes, we all lie to ourselves. Great post!
Erin Lee (@silentbeauty) says
I am definitely guilty of 5 and 9 and I suspect they are often linked. Wonderful post to read. ๐
Arianne says
I definitely lie about having earned the cupcake! Especially after a hard workout or a bad day! I think we tell ourselves these little white lies all the while knowing that they aren’t true.
Jasmine says
Acknowledgement is the 1st step in any recovery process! You’re on the right path. ๐ #7 I will $20 myself to spending $200.
Stephanie (@CMTSBlog) says
I have told myself many of these lies lol!!
dawn says
This is cute, I am the same way about sweets. Well honestly I justify a lot of things that I should maybe not really do. Staying online longer than I should.
meaganpaullin says
I want to say that I’m a liar too… But maybe I’m lying? Wait, but maybe I’m lying about lying – which makes me a liar, so you can’t even believe me when I say I’m telling the truth about lying.
So you have NO idea what I’m saying now, right? ๐
But I lie. I lie when I tell myself that calories don’t count when they’re eaten in the dark. That no one can see my roots if I don’t “do” my hair. That sweat pants look fine to go to the grocery store. No, the world see’s it ๐
I LOVE this post – and you. Thank you.
Angela says
Thanks, Meagan! I love your comment – too funny! Hopefully, we’ll both continue to enjoy each other’s posts. ๐
Ruby Showalter says
I can relate to this so well, especially the cupcake line! I often follow up with “I’m exercising, so I’ll work it off!” Big mistake!! It’s a great reminder to recognize when we’re just making excuses for poor behaviour.
Angela says
I guess that’s what it is, right? Excuses… I think that’s easier on the feelings than lies. ๐