They may feel peer pressure and the need to fit in. They may have low self-esteem. They may not have any friends and may be trying to “buy” their friends. They may try to become good at stealing to feel proud of something they have done if they don’t receive positive feedback from their parents.

We lie to save face, to avoid hurting other people’s feelings, to impress others, to shirk responsibility, to hide misdeeds, as a social lubricant, to prevent conflict, to get out of work, and many more reasons.

Others might lie to themselves about their true feelings. But the stories we tell can sometimes get away from us, and lies can have serious consequences. If lying’s become a more regular habit in your life, try not to be too hard on yourself. After all, most people do lie, even if they don’t admit it.

The following are some of the scientifically recognized traits and characteristics of pathological liars.

• Their lies seem to have no clear benefit.
• The stories they tell are usually dramatic, complicated, and detailed.
• They usually portray themselves as the hero or victim.
• They sometimes seem to believe the lies they tell.

Pathological lying is a symptom of various personality disorders, including antisocial, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorders. Other conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, may also lead to frequent lies, but the lies themselves are not considered pathological.

Symptoms

1. Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance.
2. Have a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration.
3. Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it.
4. Exaggerate achievements and talents.
5. Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate.

Some believe that the narcissistic personality is created in early life as a result of maladaptive attachment. One school of thought is that narcissism is a result of arrested development, in which the person remains fixated at an infantile or very young age and only manifests in terms of their wants and needs.

Narcissistic personality disorder involves a pattern of self-centered, arrogant thinking and behavior, a lack of empathy and consideration for other people, and an excessive need for admiration. Others often describe people with NPD as cocky, manipulative, selfish, patronizing, and demanding.

The truth is, everyone is capableof change. It’s just that many people with narcissism lack the desire or face other barriers (including harmful stereotypes). People with narcissistic tendencies may display: grandiose behavior and fantasies.