30 People Share The Lies They Once Believed And The Crushing Moments When They Discovered They Weren't True
"Watch out for drop cats.”
We live in a world where (sadly) lying is a common occurrence. Whether it's a little white lie or an elaborately executed deception, people lie all the time.
You would think we'd all be pretty darn good at telling the difference between what's true and what's not by now. But it's human nature to be trusting of others, and sometimes our naivety can get the better of us.
So, when Reddit user u/Fearless-surfur-ee asked the question, "What was the biggest lie you believed?" it shouldn't come as a surprise that the thread ended up with more than 11 thousand comments. People couldn't wait to share their funny, strange, and interesting answers.
What made the Redditor want to ask that particular question? "I remember I was in my room wondering about my childhood; we used to believe many things that weren't true at all, so I thought, why shouldn't I ask others," he explained.
"Personally, the biggest lie I used to believe was that when people die, they become invisible," the Redditor continued. It's certainly a great question, and we're so glad the OP asked it!
So, what are some lies that you've believed? Keep scrolling to read 30 of the best answers from the Reddit community.
1. Perhaps in an ideal world.
If you simply put your head down, do what you're told, and work hard, things will work out.
NeighborhoodHuge58032. If only.
Bullies get bored if you ignore them.
Longjumping-Party1863. Ouch!
That my parents were married.Truth is my father was, just not to my mother.
left_over_croissant
The Role of Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when there's a conflict between one’s beliefs and their actions. This often leads to significant emotional distress, as individuals struggle to reconcile these contradictions. According to Festinger's classic study on cognitive dissonance, people are motivated to reduce this discomfort by either changing their beliefs or justifying their actions.
In the context of the lies people believe, these moments often serve as catalysts for personal growth and reevaluation of one's values. The realization that a long-held belief is false can be jarring but can also lead to greater self-awareness and authenticity.
The Power of Beliefs and Reality
Dr. Robert K. Jensen, a cognitive psychologist, emphasizes that the lies we believe often reflect our deepest fears and desires.
His research indicates that cognitive dissonance arises when our beliefs clash with reality, leading us to either reject new information or reshape our understanding to maintain comfort.
When people finally confront these lies, it can be both liberating and painful, forcing a reevaluation of one’s self-concept and worldview.
4. That good old Arizona gas tea.
I had dumped some gasoline in an Arizona tea bottle to get a fire started. My sister saw me pour it on fire and she freaked thinking Arizona ice tea was flammable. I went along with it saying "Ya you didn't know that? That's why it's called Arizona because of how hot it gets there."She was 20 yrs old. Around 5 years later we are camping and she says who's got some Arizona I can use to start this campfire. I looked at her and didn't understand. She explained I told her it was flammable. I had no recollection. She says she has been telling everyone for the last 5 years how bad it is for you and how flammable it is.
Tonyracs
5. Those drop cats will get you every time!
I had a fraternity brother from NY come to university in Oklahoma. This was before the internet. We told him to be careful of rattlesnakes. We explained what they were. He did NOT believe. So, we took him to the library, pulled out the encyclopedia, and showed him. He then asked… what else can kill you in this state.Without missing a beat, one of our brothers said, “They probably won’t kill you, but you have to watch out for drop cats.” He then went on to tell him how this kind of cat (40 pounds on average) evolved to use the cat trait of landing on its feet to kill its prey. They would climb trees, hanging upside down, then drop, feet down onto their prey. Only defense? An open umbrella. This guy walked to and from every class, on sunny days, not a cloud in the sky, opening his umbrella as he walked under every tree on the campus. Lasted about three weeks.
srathnal
6. A sister from another mister.
When I was like 16 I found out that one of my sisters wasn’t actually my sister. She was actually just best friends with my oldest sister growing up, and she lived with my family from when she was like 12 or 13 through 18 (she and my oldest sister are 15 years older than me). Unfortunately, her parents wouldn’t sign her over for adoption and didn’t contribute anything to my mom raising her for 6 years. Weirdest part is that my family is predominantly fair-skinned, blonde with blue eyes, but the girl I thought was my sister was a traditional Mexican with darker skin, dark hair, and brown eyes. My mom was always very tan and had darker hair throughout my childhood so I thought that my other 2 sisters and myself were the odd ones out.
Schleeeeeem
Psychological research suggests that the stories we tell ourselves can have profound impacts on our behavior and decision-making. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that narratives shape our understanding of reality and influence our choices. Thus, when individuals confront the lies they once believed, they often experience a pivotal moment of change, leading them to forge a new path based on truth and understanding.
Encouraging self-reflection and critical thinking can help individuals avoid falling into the traps of misinformation, fostering a culture of skepticism and inquiry.
Research shows that the process of unmasking long-held beliefs can lead to significant emotional upheaval as individuals grapple with the implications of their previous misconceptions.
In many cases, this confrontation is necessary for personal growth and development.
Understanding that these moments can be uncomfortable yet transformative can help individuals navigate their feelings more effectively.
7. A truth that's hard to take.
Parents love their children equally and unconditionally.
ExSogazu
8. Some do, most don't.
That adults knew what they were doing.
yukipurple
9. It should, but it never does.
Reddit/gaurrieie
The Psychological Need for Belonging
Psychologists emphasize the importance of belonging as a fundamental human need. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, social belonging is crucial for emotional health and well-being. When individuals believe certain lies, it often stems from a desire to fit in or be accepted by a group, highlighting the powerful influence of social dynamics on belief systems.
Research shows that groups can create environments where misinformation thrives, as individuals conform to shared beliefs to maintain their social ties. Recognizing this can empower individuals to question collective narratives and seek out diverse perspectives that encourage personal growth.
Psychological Mechanisms of Denial
Studies indicate that denial is a defense mechanism that protects individuals from confronting uncomfortable truths.
Dr. Jennifer L. Holmes, a social psychologist, explains that these mechanisms often serve to shield the ego from cognitive dissonance, allowing individuals to maintain their self-concept.
However, persistent denial can hinder personal growth and lead to a lack of authenticity in relationships.
10. Oh yes, tax reasons.
That my dad moved out and rented a room in the house of a female friend for tax reasons.
Eldhannas
11. The lies are endless.
If you go to college you'll get a good job and have a nice house.Lying 90s third grade teacher.
hushabyesecret
12. You would think.
That a full career and retirement from the US Navy would guarantee me free medical.
Gene_Different
Practical Strategies for Challenging False Beliefs
To combat the lies we believe, cultivating critical thinking skills is essential. Engaging in discussions that challenge assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints can broaden one’s perspective and create a more informed mindset. A practical approach involves setting aside regular time for reflection and research, allowing individuals to delve into topics deeply and thoughtfully, rather than accepting information at face value.
Additionally, fostering an environment that values questioning and curiosity can help individuals feel more comfortable in challenging their beliefs, ultimately leading to personal growth and a more authentic existence.
To combat the negative effects of denial, experts recommend practicing mindfulness and self-reflection.
Engaging in regular self-assessment can help individuals identify and challenge their beliefs, fostering a more accurate understanding of themselves and their surroundings.
Incorporating journaling or therapy can also provide valuable insights into these hidden beliefs, paving the way for healthier emotional processing.
13. Yeah right!
I’ll fill up my car with gas before work tomorrow morning.
hoangtudude
14. The horror!
My dad got sick of having to listen to the kids shows I watched as a child, so he told me that the Power Rangers and Barney The Dinosaur died in the car crash with Princess Diana so I couldn't watch them anymore. I didn't actually question it until I was quite old, embarrassingly.
HollyBerrysWake
15. Sadly, it can strike at any age.
That acne would only be a problem when i was a teenager.
McGamers56
Coping with Disillusionment
Confronting long-held lies can lead to feelings of disillusionment, but it's crucial to recognize this as a natural part of the growth process.
Psychologists suggest that leaning into these feelings, rather than avoiding them, can foster resilience and deeper self-awareness.
By embracing discomfort, individuals can emerge with a stronger sense of identity and clarity about their values.
16. One strong hamster.
When I was very young we had a pet hamster. He got out of his cage, so my dad put the cage in the basement thinking he might get hungry and get back in.One morning I woke up and there was the hamster in his cage in the usual place. I asked my mom how they found him and she told me she opened the door to the cellar and there he was dragging his cage back upstairs. It wasn't until I was a teenager and remembered the exchange that it occurred to me she obviously made that up.
censorized
17. Damn straight you will!
"When I grow up, I'll always be able to do what I want, when I want."Oh, my sweet summer child.
DavosLostFingers
18. The ultimate untruth.
The American dream.
FalloutBoy8181
19. A rude awakening.
That America was family-oriented, cared about its citizens, and was everything I saw in movies growing up in the UK. Then I moved here. No healthcare. No guaranteed time off. Bankruptcy for cancer. Hatred for minority groups. I’ve never experienced such a culture shock. I asked for 5 weeks paid vacation when I arrived, which I got in England. I was literally laughed out of the interview. 22 years later things have not improved.
mrsoojay
20. A sad reality.
That it's not what's on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts.No matter how you cut it pretty people get better chances in life. It doesn't matter what you do, if you look like Quasimodo you can put in the most effort on a given task and they would rather swing the credit to anyone else.
ZentheOgre
21. Those darn party licenses are hard to come by.
That you need a license for children’s parties. That was the reason why I never had a party when I was little growing up. You need to get a license from the post office, but there’s only a certain amount of licenses available for that area.
VixenRoss
22. That old chestnut, hey?
"The Tinder account was just a shared account for joking around with my friends. I never even logged in on my own."It was in fact his account which he had been using during the last three months of our relationship. And yes, I knew how unbelievable that sounds but I refused to believe that the man I trusted so much would ever do this to me.
Lila3847
23. If they have to convince you it isn't, it usually is.
"My church isn't a cult."It was a cult.
miketdavis
24. Forever alone.
That some day everyone meets their person and live and love together the rest of their lives. Never happens for some of us.
Contamminated
25. Ha! That's a good one.
That justice will always win.
Rcobs9
26. Wait. They don't?
That carrots improved night-vision. Damn Brits and trying to hide radar use.
Rex-Costanza
27. Good one, dad.
Our family was poor and lived in a house where the ceiling plaster had bowed so much that it bowed down, bulging out.My dad told me that there was a World War II bomb buried in the ceiling. Believed it for years, absolutely terrified the entire time.
PoodlesMcNoodles
28. The betrayal is real.
On April Fools while I was getting ready for school on a cold winter day, my mom told me "School is canceled! It's a snow day!"I ran around for a good 2 minutes celebrating before she told me, "April Fools!"I've never felt so betrayed in my life.
samivat
29. Oh, what a waste of time school turned out to be.
That I won't have a calculator wherever I go. When I was in school, I used to believe that I needed to memorize all the math formulas and multiplication tables because I wouldn't have access to a calculator wherever I go. However, with the advancement of technology, I now carry a calculator with me all the time, in the form of a smartphone or a smartwatch. So, that belief turned out to be a big lie.
Stakbrok
30. If only this were true.
My mom told me when I was 5 and my favorite dog died that it doesn't matter that dogs die because in 7 years they re-spawn.So I was like "Oh, fine, see you then bud, I will be older and we will play again."
josevilla7
So, there you have it! 30 of the best answers from people sharing the biggest lies they've ever believed.
What about you? Have you ever found out that something you always believed was actually not true?
We would love to hear your stories. You can share them with us in the comment section.
Psychological Analysis
This phenomenon highlights the human tendency to cling to comforting falsehoods, often as a means of self-protection.
By recognizing these patterns, individuals can begin to dismantle unhelpful beliefs and move towards a more authentic existence.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Understanding the psychology behind belief systems can illuminate why confronting lies can be both painful and liberating.
According to the American Psychological Association, self-awareness and reflection are key to navigating these transformative experiences.
Ultimately, embracing the journey of confronting false beliefs can lead to greater authenticity and personal empowerment.
Psychological Analysis
This phenomenon illustrates a common cognitive bias where individuals cling to false beliefs in the face of contradictory evidence. It’s a natural human tendency to seek social acceptance, which can sometimes lead to the uncritical acceptance of misinformation. Encouraging self-reflection and openness to new information can help individuals break free from these patterns.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind our beliefs and the lies we tell ourselves is crucial for personal development. Cognitive dissonance and the need for belonging often influence our acceptance of false narratives. By fostering critical thinking and encouraging open dialogue, individuals can navigate these complexities, leading to more authentic lives.
