definition of compulsive liar vs pathological liar

#Definition of compulsive liar vs pathological liar manual#
#Definition of compulsive liar vs pathological liar professional#
#Definition of compulsive liar vs pathological liar free#

This type of liar may posses dark secrets that would shake you to the core if revealed. The danger lies in who or what they choose to protect. They may protect your secrets as well, making them a loyal friend or spouse. They have no moral objections to lying as long as it serves their purpose. They’ll go to any length to protect a secret, be it the murder of their lover’s wife or a demotion at work. This type of liar is at times dangerous, but can also be perceived as noble it all depends on what (or who) they’re protecting.

#Definition of compulsive liar vs pathological liar free#

(Does she think you’re witty? Or does she like free dinner?) The manipulative liar is not malicious, but they can still cause harm. Like the pathological liar, you won’t know where you stand with the manipulative liar. They often use flattery or say what they think you want to hear in order to get a promotion, make a sale, get elected… or get in your pants.

They have an end goal and will do or say whatever it takes to achieve it. The only reason they’re not ranked higher than the pathological liar is that by possessing awareness, they at least have the capacity to change. They fib to get a reaction and then say (in a mean-spirited way), “I was just f-ing with you!” Sometimes, the intentional liar poses as a jokester, but they’re malicious and cruel.

Sometimes, the intentional liar poses as a jokester, but they’re malicious and cruel. The intentional liar is the high school quarterback who asks the least popular girl to prom… and then tells her it was just a prank – in front of all his friends. While the intentional liar is similar to the pathological liar in some ways, they differ in that they’re fully aware of their untruths. It makes them feel powerful and in control. They lie for the fun of it – for the sake of entertainment. This type of liar enjoys pushing your buttons. The pathological liar, providing they have other redeeming qualities, is a suitable acquaintance, but never a loyal friend, partner, or spouse. The pathological liar isn’t necessarily dangerous or cruel, but they’ll never be someone you can trust.

#Definition of compulsive liar vs pathological liar manual#

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), repeated lying is a criterion for diagnosing antisocial personality disorder (formerly known as sociopathy or psychopathy). What I consider pathological lying is what others may refer to as sociopathic. Due to this, it’s impossible to have an authentic relationship with the pathological liar their reality shifts on a whim. They don’t know when they’re lying and they’re incapable of being honest with not only others, but with themselves. This person lies constantly, for any reason, or for no reason at all.

#Definition of compulsive liar vs pathological liar professional#

In this article, I describe the 8 types of liars I’ve encountered, both as a professional counselor and in my personal life.

The different types of liars can be categorized as ranging on a spectrum from pathological (the very worst type of liar) on one end, to tactful (the least harmful type of liar) on the opposite end (while taking into consideration, of course, the various reasons people lie.) the white liar… all different types of liars.

And it is… kinda – for example, there’s the sociopathic liar vs. This led to a Google search (“types of liars”) to see if it’s a thing. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.I find the psychology of lying fascinating. So, while browsing research devoted solely to falsehoods (on which I’ll write a future post), I started to reflect on the different types of liars I’ve met throughout the years. Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. “And avoid confronting the liar, should you catch them in a lie.” This is especially true with a pathological liar, who's likely to respond to any confrontation with denial or defensiveness-so, you’d be better off saving yourself the stress and bandwidth, and opting to source the truth elsewhere. “If you’re dealing with any high-stakes information that you need to be sure is accurate, make sure to get confirmation of that intel from someone else,” says Dr. Learn all about protecting your personal boundaries in the episode of the Well+Good Podcast linked below. That said, setting boundaries in a relationship with either type of liar-particularly if it’s a partnership you have to maintain, like with a family member or co-worker-and being cognizant of taking what the person says with a grain of salt can allow you to maintain a basic, non-toxic rapport.