Another possible response to the person who has just lied to me:

“I can’t believe you believe that” or “actually believe that.” A good one, eh? Got that one from Three Quarks Daily.

I have also had the following thoughts since that earlier post:

When someone lies to me I subsequently question all his/her/their further statements, and even their earlier ones, as folks are doing with George Santos today.

When someone lies to me I sense an increased distance from the person: a friend is really less of a friend, a lover less close.

I’m not perfect. I recall one time I lied because I was so embarrassed by a question that I felt unable to respond otherwise. That was years ago but I still regret the incident. Maybe I’ll have to think of something to say to avoid lying….I reckon “Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies?” Or better, “That’s hard to say.”