15 Harmless Lies We All Tell Ourselves
We all bend the truth a little to get through the day. Here are the small lies we tell ourselves just to keep going.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Sometimes, the truth feels too heavy, so we lean on comforting fibs to smooth life’s rough edges. These small, self-soothing lies help us feel more in control, more motivated, or just plain happier. While they’re not rooted in reality, they serve a subtle but essential psychological purpose.
1. “I’ll start on Monday.”
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This classic delay tactic is motivation in disguise. It lets us avoid guilt while promising future discipline. It’s a mental reset button that rarely gets pressed.
2. “I’m fine.”
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This three-word lie is an emotional armor. It’s what we say when we’re overwhelmed but don’t want to explain. Sometimes it’s for others’ comfort, sometimes for our own.
3. “This will only take five minutes.”
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Optimism or denial? Hard to say. Whether it’s a quick chore or a “short” call, we drastically underestimate time. Still, it tricks our brain into starting — and that’s half the battle.
4. “I don’t care what people think.”
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We wish we didn’t, but social approval is wired deep in us. This lie helps us stay brave when we feel judged. It’s a mask of confidence we wear until we actually believe it.
5. “I can quit anytime I want.”
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This is a favorite of anyone hooked on coffee, screens, or sugar. It gives us a false sense of control. Even if quitting isn’t on the agenda, believing we could soften the guilt.
6. “I’m just resting my eyes.”
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Said right before a surprise nap. This lie is often told to partners, kids, or ourselves when we don’t want to admit we’re exhausted.
7. “I’ll remember that.”
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No notes, no reminders, just blind faith in your memory. It’s almost always a setup for forgetting birthdays, appointments, or grocery items.
8. “I don’t need to write that down.”
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A close cousin of the memory lie. We all overestimate our ability to retain things, especially when we’re in a rush. Writing it down feels unnecessary — until it’s completely gone from your brain.
9. “One more episode.”
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It’s never just one. Streaming services know this, and autoplay is their weapon. You tell yourself it’s manageable, but suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re deep into season three.
10. “I’ll just check my phone real quick.”
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Next thing you know, it’s 45 minutes later, and you’re deep in a TikTok rabbit hole. We say this to rationalize distraction.
11. “They didn’t mean it that way.”
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This is a forgiving spin we put on rude comments or dismissive behavior. Sometimes it’s true, but often it’s wishful thinking.
12. “I’m over it.”
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This is often said with clenched teeth and a tight smile. Whether it’s an ex, a job, or a fight — we say we’ve moved on long before we actually do.
13. “I’ll get to that later.”
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This is a polite way of saying “probably never.” It is a procrastinator’s favorite line. We convince ourselves there’ll be a better time, a perfect moment.
14. “I’m too busy.”
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Sometimes true, often not. We use it to dodge plans, responsibilities, or even our own goals. It’s more about priorities than time.
15. “Everything happens for a reason.”
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It’s a comforting belief when life makes no sense. Whether true or not, it helps people process pain. It adds meaning where there may be none.