Sarah and Billy had been casually hanging out for several weeks. One night, upon leaving the bar, Billy’s ex-fling began following the two. After they finally ditched her, Billy received a text reading: “Ew. Seriously?” Knowing it was from the ex, Sarah asked, “What did you do to her? No girl is this crazy without a reason.” Billy laughed and said, “Nothing! She’s psycho. I never even talk to her.” Shrugging off the bizarre situation, Sarah spent the night at Billy’s and all was well. Several days later, Sarah found out that Billy had hooked up with the “psycho” the previous week. She couldn’t help but ask herself: Why had he lied?

Men and women have forever had difficulties communicating with one another. Guys seem to be puzzled by the complex and utterly confusing mind games of women; females can’t seem to cope with the simplistic, one-track male thought-process. Both sexes crave an understanding of each other — hence the popularity of Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus — yet neither can truly figure the other out.

So, why didn’t Billy simply tell the truth? As many of us know, this scenario is very current and very real … we’ve all been there. There are plenty of Billys on the Hilltop. Although this example is specifically about the male gender, both sexes dabble with the lying game from time to time, usually causing them to get into a bit of relationship trouble. However, the practice never seems to end.

Depending on the specifics of the situation, it’s tough to know how to handle such behavior. So, to the girls and guys out there who are victims of The Liar, here are three generalizations as to why such behavior occurs.

They were embarrassed about the hook-up. Perhaps their beer goggles were a bit too tight that night. Seeing as you two never made specific rules concerning exclusivity, the hot bro or chick smiling across the bar may seem extraordinarily appealing under the glow of Thirds’ neon totem pole. However, the morning light reveals a pudgy, acne-covered mistake with really bad breath. How mortifying! Why on earth would they want this secret out? By lying, they are saving their reputation and their ‘thing’ with you, killing two birds with one stone.

They genuinely like you. So maybe their hook-up was a drunken mistake. Maybe it wasn’t. Often times, a romp with an ex makes them realize why that person is, in fact, an ex. For example, Billy discovered that his ex moonlights as a midnight prowler, willing to mimic the actions of the Georgetown Cuddler if it allows her the chance to spoon him. He now realizes he wants nothing to do with her and most likely lied because he knows it’s not worth ruining his current relationship with you.

They simply want to get in your pants. This is the most realistic explanation for lying about a recent hook-up. Let’s face it … alcohol causes hormones to fly. Guys are notoriously stereotyped by society as players. After several beers, they’re only after “one thing.” But the same goes for many women. Not every college female is interested in graduating with her M.R.S. degree; some only want to have fun. By denying rumors about messing around with someone else, they’re able to get you hooked (at least for the night). If you’re interested in more than a fling, be honest with yourself and realize their intentions.

Figuring out which category your special friend fits under can be difficult. So to all the confused Sarah’s and her male-counterparts: If they eventually admit to the truth, chances are they like you and regret their decision to a) hook up with someone else and b) lie to you about it. But be careful not to force your guy or gal into a labeled relationship in an attempt to lock him or her down. Any relationship with such a rocky foundation will only end in disaster. Although it’s sweet that their feelings for you are true, keep things casual and keep an eye out for faltering in the future.

If they never admit to their lapse in judgment, they probably want to continue keeping your relationship relaxed. If you’re looking for something more, then my prescription for you is to just move on.
And, to all the fibbers roaming the streets of Georgetown: Watch out … we’re onto you.

Colleen Leahey is a junior in the College. She can be reached at leahey@thehoya.com. Rounding The Basses appears every other Friday in The Guide.