Would you stop communicating with a friend if they continued to tell you ridiculous lies about their life?

It’s a tricky situation, and what you do really depends on what the fibbing means for you and your friendship. But if the stories have crossed from annoying exaggerations into things that are actually impacting you and your relationship, then maybe it's time to put down a boundary.

Talk it Out First: Most of the time, someone who is prone to fibbing isn't out to hurt anyone - maybe they're seeking attention or trying to defend an insecure sense of self. Gently share the way that their constant stories make you feel – maybe it’s frustrating, like you’re not being heard, or just exhausting. Giving them the opportunity to understand how they're affecting you could help them shift. Try to be calm in the conversation, stick to “I” statements, and don’t lay blame.

Pull Back a Little: If a heart-to-heart conversation does absolutely nothing to change their habits, you can pull back a bit. You don’t need to end the friendship entirely - you can reduce how often you interact with them, or try to refuse to participate when they start embellishing stories. Your mental health matters more, and it’s okay to put that first if the friendship feels like it’s draining you.

Look at the Bigger Picture: See how their fibs are impacting your other relationships and friendships. Are they the one that everyone else is always warning you about?

Is this pattern consistent?​

If their stories are the main source of the drama and nothing you do changes their behavior, then this friendship probably isn’t as rewarding to you anymore.

In cases like this, stepping back (though leaving the door open for when they truly mature and grow) can be the right call.

It’s not about being “hard” or “cold,” but being realistic.