You’re right to feel uneasy, small lies aren’t harmless. They quietly erode trust because they show he values comfort over honesty. When someone lies about things that don’t even matter, it’s not about the details, it’s about avoiding discomfort, guilt, or accountability.
You don’t need to ignore it. Bring it up calmly but clearly : I’ve noticed you sometimes lie about small things, like saying you’ve left work when you haven’t. They might seem minor, but they make me doubt what you say overall. Can we talk about why that happens?
This approach focuses on the pattern, not just the incident. Listen to his explanation, it might come from habit, anxiety, or avoidance. But after that talk, the change has to show in his actions.
If he owns it and works to be truthful, that’s progress. If he minimizes it, gets defensive, or keeps lying, that’s a bigger issue, and it’s okay to see it as a dealbreaker. Consistent honesty isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of real trust.
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