PsycHacks Episode 592: Why you were lied to (and why it hurts so much)
24 snips
Jan 30, 2026 A look at why certain lies cut deepest and how our secret wishes make us vulnerable. Exploration of the ego ideal and why flattering falsehoods hook us. Discussion of how praise and criticism shape self-image and emotional dependence. Practical focus on knowing your vulnerabilities and building accurate self-knowledge to prevent future pain.
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Lies Are Ubiquitous But Usually Harmless
- You are lied to all the time by institutions, marketers, and people in your life.
- Most lies don't emotionally hurt because they don't engage your core vulnerabilities.
Grandmother's Praise Often Harmless
- A grandmother praising you (e.g., calling you handsome) rarely causes deep betrayal when later contradicted.
- Small, pleasant lies that don't touch core vulnerabilities usually don't crush us.
The Lies You Crave Hurt Most
- The lies that hurt most are the ones you wanted to believe.
- Vulnerabilities where you long to feel a certain way are where pain concentrates.
