Why do I feel like people are lying to me when they correct me?

Feeling like people are lying when they correct you is a common experience that can stem from various psychological factors. This reaction often has more to do with our own insecurities and past experiences than the actual intentions of others.

One reason for this feeling is our natural tendency to protect our self-image. When someone corrects us, it can feel like a threat to our competence or intelligence. Our brains might interpret this correction as an attack, triggering a defensive response. This defensiveness can manifest as suspicion about the other person’s motives, including the belief that they might be lying.

Another factor is our emotional attachment to our beliefs and opinions. We often invest a lot of ourselves in what we think we know. When someone challenges these beliefs, it can feel personally invalidating, leading us to question their honesty rather than our own understanding.

Past experiences with criticism or correction can also play a role. If we’ve been in situations where people have used corrections as a way to belittle or manipulate us, we might develop a heightened sensitivity to being corrected. This can cause us to interpret future corrections, even well-intentioned ones, as potential lies or manipulations.

The phenomenon known as the illusory truth effect might also contribute to this feeling. This cognitive bias makes us more likely to believe information we’ve heard repeatedly, even if it’s false. If we’ve held a belief for a long time, being told it’s incorrect can feel jarring and untrustworthy, simply because the correction doesn’t align with what we’re used to believing[10].

It’s important to recognize that this feeling doesn’t necessarily reflect reality. Most corrections are likely well-intentioned attempts to share accurate information. Learning to separate our emotional reactions from the actual content of the correction can help us be more open to new information and growth.

To overcome this feeling, it can be helpful to practice self-awareness and emotional regulation. When you feel that defensive reaction rising, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself why you’re feeling threatened and whether there’s a possibility that the correction might actually be accurate.

Developing a growth mindset can also be beneficial. This involves viewing corrections as opportunities to learn and improve rather than as attacks on your worth or intelligence. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and has gaps in their knowledge. Being corrected doesn’t diminish your value as a person.

If you find that this feeling is persistent and interfering with your relationships or personal growth, it might be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. They can help you explore the root causes of these feelings and develop strategies to respond more constructively to corrections.

In conclusion, feeling like people are lying when they correct you is a complex reaction rooted in psychology and past experiences. By understanding these underlying factors and working on our responses, we can become more open to feedback and personal growth.