Lies

Topic #231 from The Daily Post
When is it okay to lie?

To strangers

For me, it is sometimes okay to lie to strangers for the reason that they are strangers to me. The stranger most probably will never prove or never find out that you tell a lie. There will no or minimal impact on both parties since we are not socially or emotionally attached to each other. This seems to be a guilt-free lie. For example, since the mall is closed and the supermarket would close within five minutes and I just wanted to pass through the mall since I wanted a shortcut to my destination, then the security guard asked me what is my purpose of getting inside the mall, I replied “I need to use the ATM machine inside.” In this case, I lied since I did not actually used the ATM machine, I just went inside the mall to take a shortcut.

To friends

I do not want to lie to my friends. Reciprocally, I do not want my friends to lie at me. Admittedly, I am a sensitive person. At first I denied this to myself, but lately I realized that I am so sensitive, especially matters with friendship. But lie towards a friend may be done depending on the case, in a protective manner. For example, I lied to a friend because I do not want my friend to become hurt or bothered more — similar to a white lie.

To family

I do not lie to my family especially to my mother since we live within the same home. Sometimes I do not speak at home, but when needed to tell my mother all the things and details, since usually I ask for her opinion.

To myself

This one is the trickiest part, discerning that I am lying to myself or not. Of course, as much as possible I don’t to lie to myself. I may not be aware but maybe I am lying to myself… just not to hurt someone, not to ruin someones moment, etc. But of course, you would probably say, you need to put yourself first, what if it conflicts with your happiness. I don’t know.

Conclusion

I just live with the basic rule, being true in any aspect, as much as possible.