Once a liar, always a liar?

Have you noticed that compulsive liars can never quite shake off their nasty habit?

Sure, everyone fibs from time to time, but chronic liars make lying a pastime. They're dishonest to everyone from their parents to the mailman.

I try my best not to associate myself with people of this ilk, but it isn't always to pinpoint liars -- at least not in the beginning.

Unfortunately, many people -- namely friends and relatives -- continually give these individuals free passes, thus fueling their desire to perpetuate the behavior. They start to think, "Hey, if I can get away with it, I'll continue to lie."

Lying is a surefire way to demolish a friendship or relationship. Communication and trust comprise the cornerstone of a relationship -- in the absence of one or both of these crucial variables, it is doomed to fail.

Bottom line: Don't let liars get away with it. Put the offender in his place and make it clear that if he respects you and values your bond together, he'll make the effort to be honest for a change.

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