Webster defines a lie as: “To make an untrue statement with intent to deceive” and “To create a false or misleading impression.”

We have all told full-fledged lies, little white lies, or left information out of a story. Yes, the omission is untruthful.

Kids learn to lie because it keeps them from being disciplined, pushes the blame onto the victim, and might even earn them some hugs and kisses.

We learn, and we can unlearn to lie.

Some people lie when they don’t have to. Maybe they want to be accepted, be seen as a bigwig, sound intelligent or well-traveled, or fool people, and watching the reaction could be fun. Sick, right?

I don’t like lies. My profession as a mental health counselor depended on people telling the truth. I don’t read Tarot Cards or palms, and I’m not a psychic. A client’s words were my navigation. If they lied, my help floundered. If they spoke the truth, we could significantly progress in analyzing, strategizing, and building skills.

I watched a recent Netflix series in which a woman lied about her age to get a job. It exemplified how one lie can lead to two to ten to hundreds. One lie led to a seven-season run.

Lies and deceit are nearly always present in a good novel or movie. They add tension and impact, keeping readers reading or watching.

I like nonfiction because real-life life is dramatic, enticing, and true, at least in the mind of the storyteller.

Truth vs. lies is an intense mental health topic. Whether you are the liar or the one lied to, dishonesty can ruin a good friendship, marriage, sibling relationship, or self-esteem and shatter any hope of trust.

The following quotes are relevant:  “Lie to me once, shame on you. Lie to me twice, shame on me.” And, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”

Lying can be a means of avoiding trouble or saving your reputation. But it comes at a high price. There is no greater freedom than just being YOU. We shouldn’t do things we don’t want to admit. We go to bed and wake up with ourselves every day. How well we sleep could have much to do with the peace of honesty in our hearts and minds.

Never underestimate the power of truth. We live in an age where we don’t know what is true or made up, but we can detect someone’s lies. Trust your brain and instincts, and don’t contribute to the demise of goodness— tell the truth.

Elvis said it well, “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away.”

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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