This is something that I often wonder about. I can recall several times in my life when I was honest with somebody about something, and they didn't seem to take it too well, or they didn't react in the way that I thought they would. Is it really best to be honest about all things at all times, or are there times when we need to lie about some things, depending upon the situation?

"lie" is such a harsh word ... how bout ... "Stretch the truth" alil ??? or ... tell a "white lie" ... he he

not kiddin about that ... i really think sometimes it is just better to tell alil fib ... i always remember when i was like 16--- and my best buddy said my parents did "not need to know everything about what u do " .... etc ... i felt terribly guilty ... but ... i wasnt doin anything really wrong ... just not telling them EVERYTHING .... ok . bad example now that i am a parent ... but u get the basics ...

SnidelyWhiplash said:

I do.

It really isn't. I'm honest as often as possible, my first reaction is to be honest. But in some situations people just can't handle it...

I don't think brutal honesty is always best, no.
It's ok, and often preferable, to choose how and when you say something and pick your words carefully when someone's feeling may be hurt. This isn't any less honest, simply more compassionate.
I think "lies of omission" can be ok on occasion too. This can be a sticky one, though. But sometimes not everyone needs to know every little detail of something.

CalhounSq said:

If I know telling the truth would hurt someone, I'll keep my mouth shut or talk around the issue.

I've learned that you can't win for losing.....whether you lie or tell the truth, someone will take issue with it....so I'm finding that in some matters, its best to and move on with life.....

I think I'd rather be considered brutally honest than to risk being misunderstood.

SnidelyWhiplash said:

I prefer "misrepresent the facts" or "ad libbing the details".....

Its the best policy for relieving your own conscience, and maybe even for the other person in the long run, blah blah blah...

But I cant think of a dozen times where I would have quite happily stayed in my little bubble for the rest of my life. No good came of it

Tough one