We’ve all been tempted to embellish a story here and there, adding details that make that hookup seem a little hotter or your game-winning shot even harder.
And that’s totally normal. Some exaggeration actually makes a good deal of sense.
“At social events, you're expected to entertain people—you're almost on a stage,” says R. Keith Sawyer, Ph.D, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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However, if your truth-stretching has become so noticeable that your buddies call you out on it, it’s time to examine your motivations.
For instance, are you embellishing your stories because in reality they’re boring?
In that case, your move is to bring a little more real-world excitement into your life so you’re not tempted to make up a better story.
Work on adding more oomph to your life, whether it’s by trying new sports, visiting new countries—or even exploring a different part of town—and learning new hobbies.
And when you’re put on center stage, follow these 7 Tips to Telling a Fantastic Story, so you can keep your audience enthralled without resorting to embellishment.
