They're fibs that help grease the wheels of everyday social interactions. If you feel guilty or uncomfortable about not telling it like it is, however, consider seeking help from a mental health professional or signing up for an assertiveness training course, Dr. Ascher recommends. Sometimes, telling the truth takes a little practice. Me Suppose you miss a deadline or don't return a phone call. This is the excuse, a little sister of the lie, and it's psychologically healthy in moderation, according to C.R. Snyder, Ph.D., director of the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Kansas.
Excuses are a way to handle stress and anxiety, and maintain self-esteem.
With excuses, we distance ourselves from a bad outcome. For example, your child should not deny blame for disruptive behavior in school, he explains. Like the song says, you can't hide those lying eyes. Indeed, all but the hardened liar experience symptoms of nervous system arousal when telling a lie. Lie-detectors are based on the theory that our bodies react physically when we don't respond truthfully.