ever get caught in a bad lie?

breakingnews · 11-14-2006, 08:55 AM

I'm about to, and it really fucking bothers me. The most frustrating part is that I wouldn't even be in this situation if my parents stopped trying to run my life and ride my ass constantly. Then again, it's my fault for not standing up for myself and coming out clean to begin with. Ugh.

(On a side note, I'm a very honest person. That's probably why I'm about to be found out - because I'm not good at these kinds of things.)

The short of it is that my parents, my relatives, my current boss - who all know each other well and talk often - all think I should get my MBA here in Taipei. After studying business in college (I have a BBA), I have ZERO interest in getting an MBA, especially from a mediocre English-taught program in a foreign country. However, for them it's a non-issue: This way I'll stay in Taiwan two more years, get an MBA, work here, allow myself to get married off to some gawky Taiwanese girl and grow old hiding in my parents' shadow. I suppose there could be worse, but this is not the life I want.

Anyway, rather than be the defiant, spoiled jerkoff I should have been and simply refuse to apply, I went ahead and submitted an application. Well, most of it. Okay, fine, I turned in barely half of what was required. Regardless, everyone was happy and I carried on knowing there's no way they'd accept me based on my partial application. I let the late deadline pass, and lo and behold, yours truly was not selected to interview. A thousand blessings.

The problem is that my mom - and consequently EVERYONE ELSE - just became aware that I still have to hand in some miscellaneous things: a second recommendation letter (I originally asked my former boss but he couldn't do it, so I had to ask a family friend here) and my college transcript, which has still not arrived from the U.S. However, I didn't tell her that the deadline already passed, and certainly didn't inform her that interview selections were already published. And I'm sure she'd LOVE to hear that my application is entirely screwed anyway since I didn't submit critical portions.

I'm trying to fabricate a neat little story about how I misread the deadlines, misunderstood the Chinese instructions, yadda yadda ... but deep down inside I know I'm fucked. The whole thing is bound to collapse shortly. The nail in the coffin is that I did not realize *just* how close my father and my BOSS are to the higher ups at the university (they are both alumni). There is a 150% chance my boss will get on the phone once he hears I was not chosen to interview; my father, however, can be talked down, since he is a little less aggressive about pulling strings in these kinds of situations.

In the U.S. I would not be worried about this dilemma - admissions decisions are confidential, and I could tell the officers under any circumstances not to release info to my parents. But it doesn't work like that here, that sort of discretion does not exist. Strings can be pulled in all directions; no door is shut to someone with inside connections.

What I fear most is that it will become known that I completely half-assed my application and lied blatantly about the deadlines. I'm not quite sure how, but this situation has the potential to be a huge embarassment for me and my family, which is a big deal to Taiwanese people. I'll have to live that down, and that sucks.

And, as always, hindsight is 20/20: I should have made a stand and not bothered applying. That might have stirred the pot, but it would have been ripples compared to the tidal wave looming overhead. It's like that saying about masturbation: It's a good idea in the beginning, but in the end, you're just fucking yourself.

Flint · 11-14-2006, 09:01 AM

I've seen this kind of thing before, in movies. When your parents realize the lengths you've gone to to avoid doing something you didn't want to do, they'll suddenly understand, in a tearful epiphany, that they've been too controlling, and they'll support you in your endevor to become a world-class motorcycle daredevil. Oh, and you'll get the girl, too. That other guy wasn't right for her, didn't treat her good. She sees that now. Oh look! Your puppy just came home! He hops up and licks you on the face, everybody laughs! :::roll credits:::

breakingnews · 11-14-2006, 09:08 AM

what can i say? my life is sooooooo dramatic.

haha, but yeah, true, this is a load of bullshit in the grand spectrum of things. just I have to deal with this right now, and that sucks.

Stormieweather · 11-14-2006, 09:33 AM

Ya know...I would just come clean. Now, before the #$*@# really hits the fan. Sit the parents down and tell them you did not complete the application as required because you really don't want to get the MBA. You applied out of respect for your parents, but you left some important pieces of the application out to ensure you would not be accepted. Apologise and explain that you have other ideas for the rest of your life and ask them to understand and support you. You could even spin it that you are guilt ridden with your deception and this is why you are coming clean (will only work if you grovel before phone calls are made).

It is difficult to feel you are disappointing your family, but ultimately, you must do what you feel is right for you.

Stormie

Spexxvet · 11-14-2006, 09:38 AM

Seems to me you have 3 options.
1. Come clean with the truth
2. Just say "I forgot"
3. Just say "fuck you, Mom and Dad"

glatt · 11-14-2006, 09:39 AM

She's right. If you are the one to break the news, you control the spin.

Flint · 11-14-2006, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glatt

break the news

breakingnews · 11-14-2006, 09:50 AM

hahaha ...

Well, when my dad is breaking my balls, we'll see who gets the last laugh.

I'm going to try and gauge my parents' level of concern ... I'm hoping when I tell them I wasn't picked to interview, they'll leave it there and not make it an ordeal. Otherwise I'll have to be the witty mutherfucker that I am and come up with a good cover-up.

glatt · 11-14-2006, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breakingnews

I'll have to be the witty mutherfucker that I am and come up with a good cover-up.

Or just tell the truth so they understand where you are coming from and back off a little.

Spexxvet · 11-14-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glatt

She's right. If you are the one to break the news, ...

And wind. Phew!

Clodfobble · 11-14-2006, 10:08 AM

You could always continue the hijinks... If your boss pulls enough strings to get you an interview even with your half-assed application, just thank him profusely, and then show up to the interview like you just got out of bed and answer every question with, "Yeah, I guess a retard might want to know that about me."

Flint · 11-14-2006, 10:11 AM

I'f seen that kind of thing, in movies. It backfires, and they hire you as a high-salaried consultant with a company Porsche.

breakingnews · 11-14-2006, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flint

I'f seen that kind of thing, in movies. It backfires, and they hire you as a high-salaried consultant with a company Porsche.

how do you think i ended up with the boring ass job I have now?

Clodfobble · 11-14-2006, 10:24 AM

Right! And then he could deliberately try to tank the company by giving ridiculous advice, and it could turn out to be a bold, brilliant corporate move that skyrockets the stock and makes him a millionaire. You do want to be a millionaire, right breakingnews?

yesman065 · 11-14-2006, 10:34 AM

At some point you need to live YOUR life. Tell your parents what you think and how you feel. Be prepared to live with the consequences though.

11-14-2006, 08:55 AM	#1
breakingnews Q_Q Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: somewhere in between Posts: 995	ever get caught in a bad lie? I'm about to, and it really fucking bothers me. The most frustrating part is that I wouldn't even be in this situation if my parents stopped trying to run my life and ride my ass constantly. Then again, it's my fault for not standing up for myself and coming out clean to begin with. Ugh. (On a side note, I'm a very honest person. That's probably why I'm about to be found out - because I'm not good at these kinds of things.) The short of it is that my parents, my relatives, my current boss - who all know each other well and talk often - all think I should get my MBA here in Taipei. After studying business in college (I have a BBA), I have ZERO interest in getting an MBA, especially from a mediocre English-taught program in a foreign country. However, for them it's a non-issue: This way I'll stay in Taiwan two more years, get an MBA, work here, allow myself to get married off to some gawky Taiwanese girl and grow old hiding in my parents' shadow. I suppose there could be worse, but this is not the life I want. Anyway, rather than be the defiant, spoiled jerkoff I should have been and simply refuse to apply, I went ahead and submitted an application. Well, most of it. Okay, fine, I turned in barely half of what was required. Regardless, everyone was happy and I carried on knowing there's no way they'd accept me based on my partial application. I let the late deadline pass, and lo and behold, yours truly was not selected to interview. A thousand blessings. The problem is that my mom - and consequently EVERYONE ELSE - just became aware that I still have to hand in some miscellaneous things: a second recommendation letter (I originally asked my former boss but he couldn't do it, so I had to ask a family friend here) and my college transcript, which has still not arrived from the U.S. However, I didn't tell her that the deadline already passed, and certainly didn't inform her that interview selections were already published. And I'm sure she'd LOVE to hear that my application is entirely screwed anyway since I didn't submit critical portions. I'm trying to fabricate a neat little story about how I misread the deadlines, misunderstood the Chinese instructions, yadda yadda ... but deep down inside I know I'm fucked. The whole thing is bound to collapse shortly. The nail in the coffin is that I did not realize just how close my father and my BOSS are to the higher ups at the university (they are both alumni). There is a 150% chance my boss will get on the phone once he hears I was not chosen to interview; my father, however, can be talked down, since he is a little less aggressive about pulling strings in these kinds of situations. In the U.S. I would not be worried about this dilemma - admissions decisions are confidential, and I could tell the officers under any circumstances not to release info to my parents. But it doesn't work like that here, that sort of discretion does not exist. Strings can be pulled in all directions; no door is shut to someone with inside connections. What I fear most is that it will become known that I completely half-assed my application and lied blatantly about the deadlines. I'm not quite sure how, but this situation has the potential to be a huge embarassment for me and my family, which is a big deal to Taiwanese people. I'll have to live that down, and that sucks. And, as always, hindsight is 20/20: I should have made a stand and not bothered applying. That might have stirred the pot, but it would have been ripples compared to the tidal wave looming overhead. It's like that saying about masturbation: It's a good idea in the beginning, but in the end, you're just fucking yourself. __________________ Gone crazy, be back never.

11-14-2006, 09:01 AM	#2
Flint Snowflake Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dystopia Posts: 13,136	I've seen this kind of thing before, in movies. When your parents realize the lengths you've gone to to avoid doing something you didn't want to do, they'll suddenly understand, in a tearful epiphany, that they've been too controlling, and they'll support you in your endevor to become a world-class motorcycle daredevil. Oh, and you'll get the girl, too. That other guy wasn't right for her, didn't treat her good. She sees that now. Oh look! Your puppy just came home! He hops up and licks you on the face, everybody laughs! :::roll credits::: __________________ **************** There's a level of facility that everyone needs to accomplish, and from there it's a matter of deciding for yourself how important ultra-facility is to your expression. ... I found, like Joseph Campbell said, if you just follow whatever gives you a little joy or excitement or awe, then you're on the right track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Bozzio**

11-14-2006, 09:08 AM	#3
breakingnews Q_Q Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: somewhere in between Posts: 995	what can i say? my life is sooooooo dramatic. haha, but yeah, true, this is a load of bullshit in the grand spectrum of things. just I have to deal with this right now, and that sucks. __________________ Gone crazy, be back never.

11-14-2006, 09:33 AM	#4
Stormieweather Wearing her bitch boots Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Floriduh Posts: 1,181	Ya know...I would just come clean. Now, before the #$@# really hits the fan. Sit the parents down and tell them you did not complete the application as required because you really don't want to get the MBA. You applied out of respect for your parents, but you left some important pieces of the application out to ensure you would not be accepted. Apologise and explain that you have other ideas for the rest of your life and ask them to understand and support you. You could even spin it that you are guilt ridden with your deception and this is why you are coming clean (will only work if you grovel before* phone calls are made). It is difficult to feel you are disappointing your family, but ultimately, you must do what you feel is right for you. Stormie __________________ "First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." - Mahatma Gandhi

11-14-2006, 09:38 AM	#5
Spexxvet Makes some feel uncomfortable Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 10,346	Seems to me you have 3 options. 1. Come clean with the truth 2. Just say "I forgot" 3. Just say "fuck you, Mom and Dad" __________________ "I'm certainly free, nay compelled, to spread the gospel of Spex. " - xoxoxoBruce

11-14-2006, 09:39 AM	#6
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	She's right. If you are the one to break the news, you control the spin.

11-14-2006, 09:50 AM	#8
breakingnews Q_Q Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: somewhere in between Posts: 995	hahaha ... Well, when my dad is breaking my balls, we'll see who gets the last laugh. I'm going to try and gauge my parents' level of concern ... I'm hoping when I tell them I wasn't picked to interview, they'll leave it there and not make it an ordeal. Otherwise I'll have to be the witty mutherfucker that I am and come up with a good cover-up. __________________ Gone crazy, be back never.

11-14-2006, 10:08 AM	#11
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	You could always continue the hijinks... If your boss pulls enough strings to get you an interview even with your half-assed application, just thank him profusely, and then show up to the interview like you just got out of bed and answer every question with, "Yeah, I guess a retard might want to know that about me."

11-14-2006, 10:11 AM	#12
Flint Snowflake Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dystopia Posts: 13,136	I'f seen that kind of thing, in movies. It backfires, and they hire you as a high-salaried consultant with a company Porsche. __________________ **************** There's a level of facility that everyone needs to accomplish, and from there it's a matter of deciding for yourself how important ultra-facility is to your expression. ... I found, like Joseph Campbell said, if you just follow whatever gives you a little joy or excitement or awe, then you're on the right track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Bozzio**

11-14-2006, 10:24 AM	#14
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	Right! And then he could deliberately try to tank the company by giving ridiculous advice, and it could turn out to be a bold, brilliant corporate move that skyrockets the stock and makes him a millionaire. You do want to be a millionaire, right breakingnews?

11-14-2006, 10:34 AM	#15
yesman065 Banned - Self Imposed Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,847	At some point you need to live YOUR life. Tell your parents what you think and how you feel. Be prepared to live with the consequences though.

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