Are we lying to ourselves? Probably the strangest question, since there is no point in lying to yourself. But unfortunately, we can lie to ourselves without even realizing it. This can usually be found in a psychologist's office. Are we timing ourselves or not? This question carries deep meaning and requires attention, since sincerity with ourselves is the foundation of our emotional and psychological well-being. What could be the reason that we lie to ourselves, what consequences this can have and how to stop lying to ourselves. People lie to themselves for various reasons. This may be due to the desire to hide the unpleasant truth from oneself, to avoid responsibility for one’s actions, or simply out of fear of unpleasant emotions. It is unlikely that anyone consciously decides to deceive themselves, but it happens subconsciously. Self-deception can have serious consequences for our mental and emotional life. The internal conflict between what we tell ourselves and reality can cause stress, anxiety and even depression. In addition, self-deception can interfere with our development and achievement of personal goals in life. It is better to begin the search for self-deception by honestly assessing your inner world. Find out where you are prone to self-deception, identify false beliefs and make sure you recognize them as such. One of the everyday and common ways to stop lying to yourself is to learn to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment or criticism. Meditation and introspection can help you develop this skill. Probably the most reliable and safest thing is to talk and discuss your feelings and thoughts with a professional psychologist. Psychologists specialize in a person’s relationship with himself, so it is easier for them to bring a person’s self-deception from the unconscious to the conscious field. Remember that no one is perfect, and mistakes and shortcomings are part of human nature. Don't be afraid to face the truth about yourself, and remember that only then can you grow and develop. The process of stopping lying to yourself is a long and difficult journey, and you should not expect instant results. Be tolerant of yourself, remember that mistakes and gaps can happen. The main thing is the pursuit of truth and the desire to develop as a person. Ultimately, being sincere to yourself is the key to healthy relationships with yourself and others. When we stop lying to ourselves, we become happier, more confident and able to realize our potential. Author Andrey Aliev - Online Psychologist