White lies are often innocuous. We tell them to create a magical world for our children, or, more often, as a way to be polite and demonstrate social manners. Overall, white lies are for beneficial purposes. Being totally honest in some cases would create unpleasantness or be offensive.

Why are white lies important?

We usually tell white lies to help others, though it may also be for our own benefit. Often, both we and others benefit, for example in the way that white lies help sustain our good relationship. ... The important aspect of such lies is nobody is harmed, so the net harm is always guaranteed to be zero or only ever helpful.

Are white lies healthy?

White lies are actually extremely common in healthy relationships, according to Susan Orenstein, Ph. ... Orenstein defined white lies as “omitting the complete truth to spare someone's feelings.” A white lie is an innocuous lie. In fact, she said, sometimes, a white lie is just being kind.

What is a good white lie?

60 White Lies We Tell Every Day

• "My phone died."
• "Of course I remember you!"
• "That was my idea."
• "Oh, yeah, that makes sense."
• "I'm five minutes away."
• "Traffic was horrible."
• "I can have it done by tomorrow."
• "Your new haircut looks amazing."

Why lying well can be helpful?

Lying Can Improve Our Self-Esteem

Telling yourself a few small lies can boost your self-confidence, and may even be a self-fulfilling prophecy: when you feel more confident, you might just work that much harder because of it.

The dark side of white lies

45 related questions found

Are white lies OK?

White lies are often innocuous. We tell them to create a magical world for our children, or, more often, as a way to be polite and demonstrate social manners. Overall, white lies are for beneficial purposes. Being totally honest in some cases would create unpleasantness or be offensive.

Is it healthy to lie?

According to a 2015 review article, constant lying is associated with an array of negative health outcomes including high blood pressure, increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, and elevated stress hormones in the blood.

What is a red lie?

A red lie is reportedly about “spite and revenge.” These lies are “driven by the motive to harm others” even when it produces detrimental expense to self and situation.

Why do I tell white lies?

People tell white lies when telling the truth would be overly complicated, uncomfortable, or tedious. White lies allow people to censor harmful truths, reframe socially awkward facts, and otherwise circumvent the inevitable unpleasantness that would necessarily follow a path of unflinching honesty.

How should a white lie dress?

The concept is pretty straightforward: everyone wears a plain white t-shirt with a white lie written on it, often in thick black Sharpie. In general, a white lie tends to be a small, inconsequential falsity.

Is a small lie OK?

But, of course, making a habit of lying isn't good for your relationship, period. ... And, she adds, “even small ticket lies repeated day after day can harm a relationship.” Basically, if you keep telling your partner lies, whether you think they're harmless or not, they can stop trusting you.

Are white lies harmless?

A white lie is a euphemism, that is a mild expression used in place of a harsh one to reduce the feeling of unpleasantness. The prefix “white” conveys a sense of harmlessness. ... Unlike a blatant lie that has serious consequences, a white lie does not cause serious harm to anybody.

Can you tell a white lie?

You might ask: Is it ever acceptable to tell a white lie? There are no rules of the game although Gould suggests that if a white lie requires additional white lies or hinders the expression of your personal needs then you should tell the truth. She suggests delivering honesty “with a side of gentleness.”

What is a blue lie?

A blue lie is a form of lying that is told purportedly to benefit a collective or "in the name of the collective good". The origin of the term "blue lie" is possibly from cases where police officers made false statements to protect the police force or to ensure the success of a legal case against an accused.

Is it OK to tell white lies in a relationship?

It can have drastic consequences and there's nothing you can do to amend it. However, there are lies that can do no harm, but can enhance your relationship with your partner. Like the little white lies you say to your partners just because you don't want them to feel bad or look bad.

What are GREY lies?

Gray lies were said to consist of lies that were ambiguous in nature or held the characteristics of a real lie yet were still viewed as justifiable given the circumstance. These results, their practical and theoretical implications, and areas for future research are discussed.

What are white lies?

: a lie about a small or unimportant matter that someone tells to avoid hurting another person He told a (little) white lie as his excuse for missing the party.

Do small lies matter?

If They Lie By Omission

In theory, yes. ... S., small lies, lies by omission, or lies said to prevent hurt feelings all matter. “Lying leads to more lying, paving the way for serious deception,” Gilchrest says. “Small lies might pave the way for bigger ones, as it unfortunately is an easy habit to develop.

What is an example of a white lie?

Telling your friend that you like their new haircut, when you really don't, is an example of a white lie. Sometimes it is better to tell a white lie than to hurt someone's feelings. ... Sometime, even a white lie may disturb your married life. Sara's white lie led an innocent young man to his death.

What is a yellow lie?

“A yellow lie is a lie about a big thing. But it's a lie that is important. It's a lie that is necessary to potentially save somebody's life. Yellow lies can only be done if you really know the person who you're lying to.

What are the 3 types of lies?

The three most commonly referred to are lies of commission, lies of omission, and lies of influence, aka character lies. The reading below neatly summarizes these and provides some examples.

Who is an ethnological liar?

Ethnological Liar: Taught over the years to never squeal on another. 5. Sadistic Liar: Will never give the interviewer the satisfaction.

What God says about a liar?

Proverbs 19:9 – A false witness shall be punished, and a liar shall be caught. Proverbs 21:6 & 8 – A fortune made by people who tell lies amounts to nothing and leads to death. … But the conduct of those who are not guilty is honest.

Does lying hurt?

Because one lie leads to another, you can be forced into a nerve-wracking cycle of lies that becomes harder and harder to keep track of. Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems and can decrease longevity. Lying also can lead to: Depression and anxiety.

Can I lie to protect myself?

Lying is OK in two general situations, to protect yourself or someone else from immediate danger — e.g., your friend's abusive spouse asks if you know where your friend is — and to protect someone's feelings. ... Getting caught in your lie was a hint.