NationStates Jolt Archive

We all have those moments. When you are discussing or asked about something, you know that truth will probaly hurt. So what do you prefer? Just lying? Saying nothing? Being mean but honest? Do "white lies" do more damage than honesty, eventually? What do you think?

Sometimes I think that I should just be honest and honor the people's interests in my opinions but then I just shut up because I know it'll hurt and I'm not sure if it'll accomplish anything. But you cant be sure of anything, can you? Or maybe I just blow it outta proportion. Something that sounds mean to me will make the other person laugh?

I know it's usually a case by case basis thing mostly, but generally...what do you prefer? And why?

Most the time I lie so I can be nice.

I always go for absolute honesty and expect the same in return. If people can't deal with it then they need thicker skins and I can't be bothered with them anyway.

I prefer the course that serves my interests, whether they be attempting to get in someone's pants, keeping somebody happy, or helping myself better dispose them to me before I ask for something.

if its important, honesty all the way... say a friend is in a bad relationship and asks advice, i'll tell it as i see it! i won't butt in with my opinion unless asked though. i feel here honesty is the best option.

for little things, its gotta be the white lies... unless i'm making fun of someone, i'll usually tell em what they wanna hear. "do you like my new hair?"... even if it looks like a crows nest, of course i do!

really its based on whats better for the person, if they need the truth i'll give it. but i'll also lie to make em feel better if thats what i see as best

So how do you know what's best for them?

if its important, honesty all the way... say a friend is in a bad relationship and asks advice, i'll tell it as i see it! i won't butt in with my opinion unless asked though. i feel here honesty is the best option.

for little things, its gotta be the white lies... unless i'm making fun of someone, i'll usually tell em what they wanna hear. "do you like my new hair?"... even if it looks like a crows nest, of course i do!

really its based on whats better for the person, if they need the truth i'll give it. but i'll also lie to make em feel better if thats what i see as best

With my friends, I am always honest but never mean.
Honesty doesn't have to be cruel.

With strangers and acquaintances I tend to lie to avoid confrontation.

I try to be diplomatic, but if people really want the truth out of me they'll get it.

with close friends and family i normally tell the truth cos id want them to tell me the truth.. but if its osmeone else i lie to be nice

Joking around and such aside, absolute honesty is the best policy. That way you never have more than one story to remember.

The problem is, not everyone subscribes to this philosophy, and will get emotional on you when you say things they don't like even if they are true. This is only really a problem when such a person is in a position of authority, like a judge or boss. When faced with such an opponent, grab your sack and follow your instinct.

If its important i try to be honest or to give my views honestly.

For most of the rest i have a variety of ways to avoid answering the question.

Truth and honesty are different things.

I tend to offer the truthful answer, though there are times when I'll equivocate. I will not respond falsely.

Honesty is very important to me in my life. So I choose that route. However, there are usually tactful ways to go about it...

I always lie anyway why would I stop when I have the excuse

Though sometimes I tell the truth if it really badly affects someone otherwise I’d find myself banned from most hospitals :D

If its important, I tell the truth. If its not, I usually lie.

"Do I look fat in this outfit?" AUTOMATIC ANSWER "Of course not, you look great".

Also, if its one of my friends, I always tell the truth.

And, of course, there are always options. YOu dont need to tell the truth or lie: you can go around it.

The truth, and honesty. Always the honest truth, no matter how important or inconsequential the question.

Because I cannot stand people who lie, at all, for any reason.

I like being honest. Watching people who expected a small white lie for the sake of their tender feelings squirm uncomfortably under the shining beacon of my truth gives me unabounded joy.

Yes. I'm bored.

You can be honest without being a dick. I would in fact argue that the two are falsly related by people who would like to feel better about being dicks.