The Top 10 lies happy husbands tell

7. 'I'm the best, baby.'
Why he tells it: to make you glad you married him

Virtually all men engage in a little creativity when describing their bravery and fortitude, the wildness of their past exploits, or their critical role at work. We're just making sure you never forget what a superlative man you married. 'I think women expect you to talk yourself up,' says Kenneth, 34. 'It's your duty to give her great stories.'

More important, embellishing our personal histories gives a small but regular booster shot to that ever-susceptible male ego. It's hard for the average man to accept his averageness - to drive his average car to his average job, take home his average salary, and so forth - especially when TV ads are blasting us with exciting images of exceptional people. If stretching the truth helps justify our unique importance to the planet, great. (This doesn't apply to me, of course: I'm legitimately extraordinary. Have a seat and I'll tell you all about it.)

It's harmless, in moderation. Is it important to him that you believe he 'forced them' to fire him? Don't worry, he's normal. Is it important to him that you believe he's the CEO of IBM? You're in trouble (unless, of course, he is the CEO of IBM).