Key signs you're dating a pathological liar, according to a psychologist

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You may be concerned that your partner is a pathological liar (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
You may be concerned that your partner is a pathological liar (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There's nothing worse than finding out your partner isn't the person you thought they were.

TikTok fans have been left on tenterhooks this week after a woman posted her shocking tell-all account of being married to a "pathological liar" and "master manipulator". The creator Reesa, @reesamteesa, has since gone viral with her 50-part series called 'Who TF Did I Marry?'.

The woman, who goes by Reesa Teesa online, made explosive claims about her ex husband in the video series, detailing exactly how he managed to craft a narrative of a completely different life. It all came crashing down when Reesa managed to put the pieces of the puzzle together, claiming to have uncovered a huge web of lies about her ex's family, past relationships, jobs and finances.

Reesa was under the impression, that 'Leigon', a pseudonym she uses for the series, was a vice president at a large condiment company, but she later found out that he'd lied about his position at work - and even remained unemployed during parts of their relationship. Reesa claims her ex husband always promised her lavish gifts, expensive houses and luxury getaways abroad, but when it came to buying things, he'd always back out. "He was telling me everything that I wanted to hear", she explained in the series.

The woman added: "I believe he got off on me being excited about something he knows I would never get. I believe he enjoyed going to the car dealerships and watching me test drive the car and get excited about it, knowing I was not gonna get it. It's a level of cruelty that I still can't comprehend."

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Please note, the following video contains strong language:

As the shocking account takes TikTok by storm, psychologist Dr Sarah Bishop has told the Mirror how to spot whether you're dating a pathological liar.

The expert explained: "Pathological liars can be very challenging to spot because they are skilled at manipulating and deceiving others. They may come across as charming and charismatic, making it hard for people to see through their lies. They are good at making up believable explanations to cover up their dishonesty, which adds to the difficulty of recognising their behaviour.

"If you have been sucked in by a pathological liar then do not blame yourself as they are very skilled and you will not be the only one who has been deceived, however at the same time it's important to reflect on and learn from any factors that might have rendered you vulnerable to being manipulated. For example those who struggle with their own boundaries or have low self-esteem can be especially vulnerable, but this is not always the case."

Dr Bishop explained that the main signs to look out for are:

  1. Superficial flattery or compliments that seem insincere.

  2. Over-the-top displays of affection or attention that feel exaggerated.

  3. Inconsistent behavior where charm is turned on and off depending on the situation.

  4. Lack of genuine interest in getting to know you on a deeper level.

  5. Manipulative behavior disguised as charm to get what they want.

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She also said, as the relationship progresses, you may start to recognise the following behaviours:

  1. Consistent inconsistencies in their stories or explanations.

  2. Exaggerated or grandiose claims about themselves or their achievements.

  3. Unwillingness to provide details or evasiveness when questioned.

  4. Shifting blame or avoiding responsibility for their actions.

  5. Lack of remorse or guilt for their lies.

  6. Manipulative behavior to get what they want.

  7. Difficulty in maintaining long-term relationships due to dishonesty.

  8. Catching them in lies or inconsistencies frequently.

She warned: "Remember anyone can do a few of these things once or twice over time but if you notice these signs consistently in your partner, it may be a red flag that you are dating a pathological liar."

Danielle Kate Wroe

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