Not controversial enough to be controversial...

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

…but still pulls on your moral strings!

Are white lies ever acceptable? Even the little ones? In my experience, they tend to come back and bite you in the rear

 

[fla4fun]

…but still pulls on your moral strings!

Are white lies ever acceptable? Even the little ones? In my experience, they tend to come back and bite you in the rear

What is the context for the little white lie?

I am all for honesty. I believe that if you tell the truth, in a kind way, that even if the truth is something bad you’re better off.

However, the answer is never Yes when the question is Do these jeans make me look fat? . . .

 

[ronandannette]

I think simply not saying anything at all can best serve in the place of most white lies. Also remembering that you don’t need to answer every question that’s asked of you and that “no” can be a complete sentence without fake excuses.

 

[georgina]

Lots of nuance here. Someone asked me to go somewhere and I said I am not free that evening. I found it easier than saying I didn't want to go.

 

[Deb]

Lots of nuance here. Someone asked me to go somewhere and I said I am not free that evening. I found it easier than saying I didn't want to go.

"I have plans" you do not need to state your plans are to sit on your sofa and read a book"

 

[A Squared]

As others have said, depends on the context/circumstances. Eg - if a small child asked me if I believe Santa is real, the answer is very definitely yes.

 

[Genie+]

Lots of nuance here. Someone asked me to go somewhere and I said I am not free that evening. I found it easier than saying I didn't want to go.

I really wasn’t free that evening because I was playing with my cats

 

[Miffy]

As others have said, depends on the context/circumstances. Eg - if a small child asked me if I believe Santa is real, the answer is very definitely yes.

That's interesting. I have never ever understood why thinking Santa is real is so important. We knew Santa wasn't real when we were kids, but that didn't ruin the fun of the fantasy. Fantasy is fun. I mean, I love WDW, so apparently I love fantasy. I know the characters aren't "real" but that doesn't stop me from enjoying a hug from Mickey, for example.

At any rate, my answer to a question like that would be to ask a question, something like "What do you think>?"

I'm against lying mostly because I hate being lied to, so I don't want to by a hypocrite.

 

[DCLMP]

…but still pulls on your moral strings!

Are white lies ever acceptable? Even the little ones? In my experience, they tend to come back and bite you in the rear

Why would you ask that question without context? Honestly, because this is about being honest.... I'm not surprised you asked that question.

 

[Moliphino]

As others have said, depends on the context/circumstances. Eg - if a small child asked me if I believe Santa is real, the answer is very definitely yes.

And at the other end of the spectrum, it's often kinder and easier to lie or not correct an elderly person with dementia.

 

[Cadiewampus]

What is the context for the little white lie?

I am all for honesty. I believe that if you tell the truth, in a kind way, that even if the truth is something bad you’re better off.

However, the answer is never Yes when the question is Do these jeans make me look fat? . . .

What about define fat?

 

[fla4fun]

What about define fat?

That’s pretty much the same as just saying yes, from the jeans wearer’s point of view.

 

[Lewisc]

A loved one gets off a scale. Do I look like I gained 10 lbs?
Is the right answer
A) No, more like 15 lbs.
B) Yes, about 10 lbs
C) No, the scale must be broken

 

[RedHead0186]

It depends on the context. If it's not hurting anyone and there's a reason for it, then it's probably okay. But again, context matters so it's hard to make a blanket statement here. I also think there are probably varying definitions of what a "little white lie" is.

 

[fla4fun]

A loved one gets off a scale. Do I look like I gained 10 lbs?
Is the right answer
A) No, more like 15 lbs.
B) Yes, about 10 lbs
C) No, the scale must be broken

C, but with a qualifier.

The answer to the initial question is “No. Why?” When they say the scale shows a gain, THEN you say “Something must be wrong with the scale . . .”

 

[georgina]

A loved one gets off a scale. Do I look like I gained 10 lbs?
Is the right answer
A) No, more like 15 lbs.
B) Yes, about 10 lbs
C) No, the scale must be broken

I don't know anyone who would ask that question, but I would just not answer. They obviously know they gained 10 lbs, I can tell when I have gained weight because my clothes are tighter, so why ask?