Common White Lies We Tell and Why We Tell Them

White lies are a part of everyday life. We often find ourselves crafting these small fabrications to spare someone's feelings or to ease social discomfort. In this article, we will explore some common white lies, their prevalence, and the reasons behind them.

Examples of Common White Lies

Some of the most common white lies are:

I'll pay you back. When I get my income tax return. - A persistent recruiter or friend might hear this in various forms, usually followed by weeks of no response. I’ll start from Monday - One of the biggest scams of all time, a friend might use this excuse to avoid doing something immediately. Looks don’t matter - In a society where people constantly seek validation, this is a common lie to avoid acknowledgment of physical appearance. I’m good - This is often said to avoid any further questions, but it's a lie that the world could do without. We’re just friends - The romantic message can often be reduced to: "We’re just friends, but you look great in that outfit." I’m going to take an extra class - This excuse is especially popular during Valentine's Day, where an extra class means an extra day away from a significant other.

Other examples include:

I’m 17 years old with a muscular body - This is a line often used in online chats, especially by boys trying to convey a muscular physique without showing a revealing photo. I’m 5 minutes away - This is a classic lie to avoid meeting someone in the immediate future. I’m kidding - Followed by an "jk," this is a common form of white lie used to avoid outright honesty. Sorry my parents refused - This is a familiar excuse used to avoid inviting someone to a social event.

The Art of White Lies: All About Social Discomfort

These white lies are often spoken to avoid causing any social discomfort. For instance, the excuse of being ill just to avoid doing something is a prevalent white lie. Similarly, exaggerating abilities or lying about one's state can be a means to avoid scrutiny or pressure.

Why Do We Tell White Lies?

These white lies are told to:

Digest uncomfortable situations Enable a level of social comfort To remain socially acceptable To avoid confrontation To avoid giving someone the freedom to be disappointed

The Importance of Communication Etiquette

One of the most common forms of white lies is poor communication etiquette. Have you ever answered the phone and said, "Hello! I'm really busy, can I call you later?" before realizing it's already too late for that. This is a clear example of how we often avoid directness in our communication, leading to unnecessary misunderstandings and inconvenience.

Conclusion

While white lies serve to maintain social harmony, they often lead to a lack of transparency and authenticity. It's important to recognize when and if these small white lies cross the line into deceit.