# I need help on how to lie to my parents **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 11, 2003, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880 "2003-09-11T01:13:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![the\_keek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/0ea827/32.png) [@the\_keek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_keek)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/21 "2003-09-11T04:45:43Z")
Okay, yes telling the truth about this is really the way you should do it but I totally understand about the parental nagging thing. My stepdaughter has a similar problem with her mom and stepdad. The lie she uses most effectively is something like this:\* I have a project (or whatever is appropriate) that so and so is helping me with and we need to work on it pretty intensely and then so and so needs a ride to school in the morning and her first class is early and since she lives across town we decided it would save a bunch of running around if I just spent the night there.\* This usually works. The incidentals you can figure out for yourself. Just hope that your journey is trouble free so that you don’t need to make a truth revealing call home at 4:00 A.M. I also advocate moving out but I know that sometimes it isn’t possible. Man I feel guilty just for telling you about this. ---
**Author:** ![jujuju](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7993a0/32.png) [@jujuju](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jujuju)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/22 "2003-09-11T04:48:24Z")
_what band?!?_ ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/23 "2003-09-11T05:07:24Z")
Go to the bathroom at home, lock the door, climb out the window and close it behind you. Shack up with friends who are sworn to secrecy for a few days. Return home at night, climb in the bathroom window and re-emerge as though you’ve only been 5 minutes. Pretend to have no knowledge of the missing time. Maintain this fiction for the rest of your life. ---
**Author:** ![Doomtrain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/0ea827/32.png) [@Doomtrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doomtrain)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/24 "2003-09-11T05:13:06Z")
Just go. Everyone needs to have one wild and crazy roadtrip/journey that leaves their parents worried and nagging. It’s what makes you a man. Even if you’re not, you know, a man. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/25 "2003-09-11T05:15:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by 7 up yours \* > > Listen people, I [don’t appreciate] how you’re suggesting that I tell the truth… I asked for advice on how to lie to them, not people preaching to me how I should tell the truth. Listen **up** , you came to the wrong community for that. Go find a Yahoo! Group or something. Here you’ll find (for the most part) intelligent, honest individuals. We don’t help people cheat on homework, we admonish people who steal (and post) copyrighted material, we don’t give advice on how to break the law, we don’t suggest good lies to use on one’s parents and we don’t suffer fools at all, let alone gladly. And you, young lady, are a fool for thinking we’d go along with your childish nonsense. In two words: Grow up. ---
**Author:** ![jjrt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c77e96/32.png) [@jjrt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjrt)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/26 "2003-09-11T05:16:36Z")
First off if you need to ask for advice on lying to your parents then you might as well forget the whole dang trip. Secondly any normal teen would use the stay over night excuse, but since you stated that your parents never see you do any homework the automatic parental red flag goes up. Thirdly any normal parent who has lied in the past knows your lying which ensues to more questions of the project you are going to be doing. Fourth the all dreaded call from one parent to another parent to see if you are actually working on a project at their house. Fifth don’t say anything about any project, go about your day as usual go to school but instead go to the concert, call them about the time you normally arrive home from school and tell them you are going to be late you have some things you need to do. Sixth next morning have your favorite song by your favorite band branded in your head so when the nagging starts you don’t hear it, and nod your head yes a few times Seventh remember this when you are a parent yourself… ---
**Author:** ![Cargogal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/48db29/32.png) [@Cargogal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cargogal)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/27 "2003-09-11T05:34:40Z")
You’d better not post a “How do I maintain this dumbass elaborate lie I concocted to see this nameless band…” KISS. Tell them you’re going out and will be back tomorrow. Shrug off the details. Go out and come back tomorrow. Pass your classes. Shrug off the nagging. Not lying does not equal telling every last single detail. There are shades of grey that are Your Life. ---
**Author:** ![White\_Lightning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@White\_Lightning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/White_Lightning)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/28 "2003-09-11T05:48:37Z")
I take my post back. I’m with **Shayna**. And/or **Cargogal**. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/29 "2003-09-11T05:52:01Z")
**how to lie to your parents** Rule #1: Plausibility. Your project story is incredibly implausible, and won’t hold up under questioning. Can you give reasonable, non-evasive answers to questions like “why can’t you do it over here?” or “I really need you to help me with X, can you work on the project on Thursday?” Rule #2: The lesser story. You need to have a minor crime to “confess” to when caught in an inconsistency, e.g. if you went with the project story and got busted, you would say “well, I didn’t want you guys to worry, but the project is actually extra credit because I’m worried about my grade in that class – I didn’t do so well on the last test.” So you need to think of another story. Housesitting with a friend. Midnight showing of a movie in town. Anything that is consistent with normal behavior for you, but not as bad as spending the night out of town. I agree with everyone else that this seems like a pretty dumb thing to lie about, but you know them better than we do. ---
**Author:** ![Angel\_of\_the\_Lord](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angel_of_the_lord/32/2949_2.png) [@Angel\_of\_the\_Lord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angel_of_the_Lord)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/30 "2003-09-11T05:53:36Z")
My favorite band is Idlewild (well, one of the one’s that’s tied for favorite). They came to the US last March. In Chicago, which is about an hour from my school, they played a 21 and over club. In Urbana, which is about 3 and a half hours from my school, they played an 18 and over club. The concert was on a Thursday. Generally, my parents called on Thursday nights; sort-of a ritual. I told them the truth. I mean, yeah, they’ll complain. Big whoop. I got to see the band I wanted, and they couldn’t take that away from me. And yeah, my dad nagged, because I ended up missing classes that Friday 'cause I didn’t get back 'till o’late-hundred. Couldn’t care less. I got to see them. They’ll complain, but they’re going to do that anyway, no matter WHAT the lie is. If you’re wussed, give them a call when you’re on the way there; if you MUST lie, say it just sorta happened. But lying; man, that’s the HARD way. Not that I don’t do it, but I wouldn’t for something like this. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![d12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/71c47a/32.png) [@d12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/d12)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/31 "2003-09-11T05:54:13Z")
Out of curiosity, where in Canada do you live? ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/32 "2003-09-11T06:08:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Even though they don’t require it, I tell them where I’m going and how late I’ll be out, most of the time. So make this one of those rare occasions where you don’t say anything. Sooner or later any lie you tell them will probably catch up to you. If you’re over 18, they can’t legally keep you from leaving, right? I agree with the other posters that what trust is left between you and your parents will just be that much harder to repair in years to come. When you get home, own up to where you went and why. Chances are if you lied you’d have to go through that scenario anyway, to it’s just one less battle to fight. You haven’t done any thing wrong other than lead your life on your terms, and perhaps it’s time your parents start respecting that. It’s also time to start respecting the fact that your parents are still supporting you and generally just trying to look out for your best interests. The day after your concert, perhaps you consider if this is the way you want your life and your relationship with your parents to continue until you graduate. Maybe it’s time to renegotiate some house rules. If they can’t compromise with you, then moving out on your own is definitely an option you should consider. If they are paying your college tuition and threaten to stop, you need to evaluate if your education is worth blowing over a few nights out on the town. Do not underestimate how badly these types of situations can blow out of proportion, especially if you push their limits. This is the way real life works my friend. Good luck to you. ---
**Author:** ![7\_up\_yours](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/919ad9/32.png) [@7\_up\_yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/7_up_yours)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/33 "2003-09-11T17:49:38Z")
Thank you **the keek** , \*\* don’t ask\*\* and **Giraffe** , although, I detect sarcasm floating around somewhere in there. If not, sorry, I’m just oversensitive. I cheat (on video games). I steal (music). And I **lie**. I’m not perfect, [but I certainly don’t claim to be.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=210040) ---
**Author:** ![Cargogal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/48db29/32.png) [@Cargogal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cargogal)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/34 "2003-09-11T17:55:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by 7 up yours \* > \*\*I cheat (on video games). I steal (music). And I **lie**. I’m not perfect, [but I certainly don’t claim to be.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=210040) \*\* I hate hearing that. I do bad things, but don’t hate me because I don’t claim that I don’t. Yee-frikin-haw. Whatever happened to being ashamed of doing bad things? Man, I’m 26 and I sound 70. Loot at what ya did to me! :wally ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/35 "2003-09-11T18:05:17Z")
If you’re in college and haven’t learned how to lie to your parents, then - frankly - no amount of advice given from anonymous strangers is going to be of any good to you. And, since you won’t name the band, we have to assign one to you. I’m voting that it’s John Tesh. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/36 "2003-09-11T18:07:34Z")
Just to give you advance notice of where lying to your parents will get you 30 years down the road: My 51-year-old sister is living with a lovely man. Our mother doesn’t like him. But does our mother KNOW he’s living with her? NO! My 51-year-old sister is STILL not grown up enough to tell our mother to butt out, her life is her own business and she’s quite happy sharing an apartment with whom she chooses, thank you! Do YOU want to turn into a 51-year-old still lying to Mommy and Daddy because you don’t have the guts to tell them you’re grown up and it’s time to live your own life, thank you very much? When I was your age I lied to my parents a lot. My kids don’t feel the need to do the same to me, thank heaven. (This being said as **whiterabbit’s** mother, and she’s right, she would just tell me she was going and go and if I didn’t like it that would be MY problem.) You’ve got to grow up some time. This is a good time to start. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/37 "2003-09-11T18:10:35Z")
**7 up yours** , if you do not reveal the name of the band you are going to see, we will FIND YOUR PARENTS and TELL THEM!!!:mad: 😃 ---
**Author:** ![NoGoodNamesLeft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@NoGoodNamesLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoGoodNamesLeft)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/38 "2003-09-11T18:24:47Z")
According to his [Live Journal](http://www.livejournal.com/~snooze), it would have to be The Ataris he’s going to see… ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/39 "2003-09-11T18:27:13Z")
Actually, you know, **Mama Tiger** ’s post made me realize some necessary advice I must share with you: At 18, you’ve got to start training your parents. Now is when you start establishing your adult-adult relationship with them, and most parents have a hard time transitioning smoothly from parent-child to adult-adult mode. It’s worth putting up with initial bitching and nagging, trust me. I did this, and after a few years of standing firm in the face of fretting and nagging, my mother and I now have a lovely relationship. My sisters did not do this, and they’re still constantly battling with her over their choices and decisions. It’s like night and day. It doesn’t matter one whit whether you lie about this concert or not, but at some point, it’s better to face the nagging head on and teach them that it’s pointless to continue to nag you after they’ve offered their opinions and concerns, because you’re an adult and you’ll make your own decisions. ---
**Author:** ![NoGoodNamesLeft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@NoGoodNamesLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoGoodNamesLeft)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2003, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880/40 "2003-09-11T18:28:44Z")
No wait, it’s probably the Sum 41 show on Wednesday, Sept 24 at the Sport Mart Palace in Kamloops, BC. The Ataris are overseas this month. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-on-how-to-lie-to-my-parents/200880.md?page=3)