The danger of deception

NINE out of ten women would admit to having their own personal experience with deception either within their intimate relationship, normal friendships, the workplace or even within their family circle.

Like other toxic habits which some individuals choose to adopt, deceit can be likened to a lethal poison with the potential to cause scarred emotional hurt.

Defined as the intentional withholding of information and/ or presentation of misleading information, deception should never be accepted though some may beg to differ.

At least 50 per cent of the complaints and/or issues that come into the International Women’s Resource Network on a daily basis relate to deception of one kind or another, particularly in intimate relationships.

Unearthing deceptive tendencies from those closest to you can be damning as expectations can be shattered. I have seen instances where some persons become so entrapped in deceiving others that it is their new normal.

Life can be complex at times with a myriad of corners to navigate, but I am a firm believer that skewing information in an attempt to deceive others, particularly those closest to you just adds to life’s complexities, as the repercussions from those actions are sometimes unpleasant and damaging to the doers.

Research has shown that lies and deception are characterised based on certain personality types. This was also validated by Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Alabama, Dr Charles V Ford. According to Ford “several personality disorders are particularly prone to be characterised by deceit and lying.

They’re what we call cluster B personality disorders which include narcissistic personality disorder, anti-social personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder; all of these possess a unique form of lying.” In addition to destroying one’s fundamental beliefs, deception also shatters trust as it becomes extremely challenging to face those who have been affected by your doing; keep in mind that trust is a pivotal facet upon which all relationships have been built and therefore, all parties in a relationship have a responsibility to protect and strengthen that particular relationship through their actions and behaviours, always taking consideration that it’s not about you only.

No-one is perfect and mistakes will be made, but treating with mistakes and challenges, by no means require the inclusion of deception.

Because the world is fluid, many things in life are unavoidable and unfortunately deception is one of those. I live by the philosophy which says putting 100 per cent trust into mankind is a huge risk and this type of thought process and understanding makes your approach in dealing with deception more manageable and less shocking.

Trust in God.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant/ author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.

com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or contact 283-0318.