But then I realized—most often, nothing special is necessary.

Just listening is enough.

Because someone can tell one story very convincingly, only to accidentally say something a week later that completely contradicts it. Not because they're a bad actor. It's just impossible to endlessly remember all the made-up details. 😄

It's especially funny when someone starts explaining in great detail something they weren't even asked about.

"I was home yesterday, then I went out for literally ten minutes, then I met a friend, but it was a friend, not someone else..."

I think the easiest way to catch someone lying is not to interrogate them.

Don't say, "I know everything!"

Just remember.

Listen.

And give them the opportunity to continue their story.

Because the truth usually doesn't require a complex structure.

It simply remains true tomorrow, the day after, and a month from now.

But fictional versions of life sometimes get confused, even in their own creators.

That's why I now trust not so much beautiful explanations, but the extent to which a person's words match their actions.

This is perhaps the simplest lie detector. 😉