Wouldn't it be helpful if you could know immediately when someone was telling a lie?

Over the years I have found myself feeling gullible, misled, naive, taken for a fool, disappointed, hurt and sometimes angry to discover that someone I trusted, someone I gave the benefit of doubt, was lying.

It would be helpful if there were clear signs, a visible indication that a person was telling a lie. Noses could grow like Pinocchio, or maybe ears would turn red. Perhaps their foot would start tapping uncontrollably.

We need a universally recognized sign to identify when what is being said is untrue. Of course, if such a clear indication existed, there would be both positive and negative side effects.

It would eliminate the effectiveness of the pathological liar; what is real and what is Memorex in their life would become more clear.

On the other hand, as Jim Carrey discovered in the movie "Liar, Liar", if you tell the truth (as you know it) all the time you risk hurting someone's feelings.

When someone asks how they look or how the food they prepared tastes, you would have no choice but to answer honestly.

Personally, I am willing to take the chance and deal with the disappointment I might feel if I ask for an opinion and don't hear the response I wanted.

In exchange, I would have the confidence to trust unconditionally; without fear of later finding out I was a fool.

In the meantime, until the "Pinnochio Syndrome" takes hold, I will continue to trust and believe.