Lying as a trauma response

[Water-Lily]

Today, I moticed a burning smell in my dorm

I checked the new air fryer I used and saw that it was off. So I figured it was no big deal

My roomate came home and messaged me about the smell. I addressed her

She asked me if I cleaned out the air fryer before use. I lied and said I rinsed it out

But in actuality I didn't

Why did I lie?

A trauma response

I am used to truthful remarks being met with abuse. So I fear being honest

I feel if I am this bad at honesty, then there's no point wasting time with the guy that's interested in me

I'm clearly not a good person for a relationship

 

[RosebyAnyName]

I'm the exact same way, you're not alone. I was also always punished for "confessing" my mistakes, now I struggle to be honest out of fear. Lying becomes second nature, and telling the truth feels unnatural.

 

[voidstar]

I can relate a lot, when I was younger my dad would often scream at me over mistakes so I lied. Still do. I'm scared of more screaming.

 

[Water-Lily]

I find that parents who respond negatively to their children's imperfections also hurt themselves/hate their own imperfections. It's self hared directed outward.