‘You commit a murder, I’ll help you cover up, but don’t lie’: Tamannaah Bhatia on her biggest relationship non-negotiable; why dishonesty cuts so deep

To this, her Do You Wanna Partner co-star Diana Penty added, “It just really makes me very angry when people lie to my face and think that I’m stupid enough to believe it.”

She agreed that this is the thing that bothers her most about being lied to as well. “I think that’s the bigger problem, that if people think you’re stupid. It’s not about the lying, either. It’s about you thought that I’ll fall for this shit.”

Why do lies, even seemingly small ones, trigger such strong emotional reactions in relationships?

Dr Anitha B, clinical psychologist, Cadabams Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Lies, no matter how small, often strike at the foundation of emotional safety in a relationship. When someone we love hides the truth, it challenges our sense of security and makes us question what else might not be real. The emotional response comes not just from the lie itself but from the feeling of betrayal and loss of predictability.” 

She adds that managing this hurt “begins with acknowledging the emotion rather than suppressing it.” It helps to pause, breathe, and reflect before reacting. Processing anger privately or with a therapist can bring clarity, so that when communication happens, it is about understanding the reason behind the lie rather than escalating conflict.

Early signs that someone might be dishonest in a relationship

Dishonesty often reveals itself subtly through inconsistency in stories, avoidance of direct questions, or a shift in emotional availability. Sometimes, it is not about the words but the unease they provoke. 

“The key is not to slip into suspicion but to foster an environment where honesty feels safe. When conversations are grounded in empathy rather than accusation, people are more likely to speak the truth,” states Dr Anitha B.

If a partner has lied, what steps can help rebuild trust, and how can both people work towards restoring emotional safety?

Rebuilding trust after a lie is less about grand gestures and more about consistent, small acts of accountability. Dr Anitha B notes, “The partner who lied must take full ownership without minimising the impact, while the other needs space to express hurt without judgement.”

“Both partners must commit to honest communication and patience, as emotional healing does not follow a timeline. Setting clear boundaries, revisiting expectations, and, if needed, seeking couples therapy can create a neutral ground where trust can slowly be rebuilt. Over time, reliability in words and actions helps restore the sense of safety that lies once eroded,” concludes the expert. 

 

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