Study Reveals How and Why People Lie in Dating and Relationships

A new survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Gamblizard offers a revealing look at the role dishonesty plays in social and romantic life. While 96% of respondents described themselves as honest, only 19% claimed they never lie – suggesting that fibs, big and small, are a routine part of human interaction.

The most common deception is also one of the simplest: 54% admitted to saying “I’m fine” when they are not. Other everyday lies include ignoring a message (13%) or claiming to be “on the way” (10%). More than half of participants said they lie to avoid awkward conversations, and two-thirds felt it was acceptable to bend the truth in order to spare someone’s feelings.

Dishonesty is particularly prevalent in early dating scenarios. Over a third of those surveyed acknowledged lying on first dates, with 16% exaggerating their salaries, 15% pretending they were over an ex, and 11% misrepresenting their intentions in a relationship. One in five admitted to lying with the goal of securing sex, whether by inflating romantic feelings or exaggerating physical prowess.

Long-term relationships are not immune to hidden truths. Forty-four percent of respondents confessed to keeping things from their partners. Common omissions include past sexual history (19%), dissatisfaction with in-laws (18%), and financial troubles (13%).

Social media further complicates honesty. Twenty-two percent said they edit their photos to appear more attractive, and one in six admitted to using false online personas. These range from anonymous accounts used for arguments to identities created to obscure infidelity. Beyond the digital sphere, nearly one in five said they have faked happiness, while 10% exaggerated career or personal success.

The findings point to a broader cultural acceptance of dishonesty as a social lubricant. About one in four respondents went as far as to say that lying is necessary to get ahead in life.

For dating platforms, relationship coaches, and digital safety advocates, the survey underscores the complexity of building trust in an era where image management – both online and offline – is widespread. While many lies may seem harmless, the data suggests that dishonesty remains a persistent factor shaping modern romantic and social dynamics, and something that many people learn to live with as part of their dating experiences.