White Lie..

Just now, I was having a small talk with a friend of mine. And just realized that we were talking about a white lie. What do you think about it? Do you think white lie is always appropriate at any time? Or do you think it's still a lie? For me personally, white lie is still a lie. No one likes it when someone lie to you. I hate the feeling when someone lie to me in purpose. It feels like he/she doesn't care about the feeling that I have. How about you? Have you ever did any white lie even if it's to protect people's feeling? I got this article by Robi Ludwig, Psy.D, a psychotherapist, award-winning reporter, contributing editor for Cookie magazine. It's something about the right timing about saying a little white lie..remember that..a little.

Here are four instances when it’s OK to tell a little white lie:

1. When the whole truth tears someone down and makes them feel horrible about themselves rather than builds them up, like saying “I like your new, extremely short haircut” when in reality it’s just awful. Brutal honesty can be used as a toxic weapon. We are not obligated to tell the whole truth if it hurts someone’s feelings.

2. A little white lie like mentioning the tooth fairy or Santa Claus is acceptable when it protects a child’s innocence or creative imagination. How can you argue with that one?

3. Offering passing pleasantries, like “Oh … it’s no trouble at all” or “I’m fine, thanks for asking,” counts as OK in my book, too.

4. Complimenting someone, but perhaps taking it a little too far, like saying “Your cookies are the best I’ve ever had," is also acceptable. Mild false truths make it easier for people to get along and are primarily harmless in most cases.

The major difference between a white lie and a hard lie is that a hard lie is said to protect oneself, whereas a little white lie is said to protect someone else. Relationships can be complex and tricky at times. Sometimes a harmless, thoughtful pleasantry is just what the doctor ordered.

(article source: msnbc.msn.com - image source: flickr)