white lies

[Ishba]

un prof. of mine gave my class 24 hours in which to conduct a survey/interview type thing for a research project of sorts, so if anyone felt like answering the questions, I'd love you forever :P and, erm... excuse the crappiness of the questions, but I couldn't really think of anything better on 3 hours of sleep =p

1) How would you define a "white lie"?

2) Have you ever told a white lie? To whom, what was it, and what motivated you to do so?

3) What was the result?

3) Do you think other people might have different reasons for telling white lies? give examples.

4) How would you feel about being told white lies?

[Seusomon]

1) How would you define a "white lie"?

It's a lie about some minor thing, told because the truth would cause unnecessary problems or hurt feelings.

2) Have you ever told a white lie? To whom, what was it, and what motivated you to do so?
I'm sure I've told quite a few, although I think I do it much less than most people. It's hard to think of a recent example...OK, I recently told my sister I'd be happy to have her come visit me, when actually it feels more like an unwelcome intrusion or ordeal. It's something I'll just make the best of if she comes, out of a sense of the importance of keeping in touch with family and a desire to not make her feel bad.

3) What was the result?
Well, the conversation went on smoothly. Don't know if she will come or not.

3) Do you think other people might have different reasons for telling white lies? give examples.
I think some people do it to make themselves look better, to conceal their mistakes, or to manipulate others. In all cases it comes down to valuing something else above the strict truth - what that something else is can be anything, from laudible to reprehensible.

4) How would you feel about being told white lies?
If it really is something minor, I don't mind at all - in fact I'd rather be around people who are flexible enough not to hurt my feelings when there's really nothing important at stake. If it's something important to me, though, and I ask directly and sincerely, I expect an honest answer.

[cdonley]

1) How would you define a "white lie"?
A lie that is told to keep someone from being hurt.


2) Have you ever told a white lie? To whom, what was it, and what motivated you to do so?
Yes. To a lot of people, but I'll give a specific example. A friend of mine got a really bad haircut (horrible..it made her look like a really homely little boy) So she spent hours trying to fix it with styling. Of course, she asked me if it looked alright. And I told her it looked a lot better (it didn't!) I lied, becuase hopefully it would make her feel a little better about something she really couldn't fix at that very moment.

3) What was the result?
She seemed to feel a bit better about her horrible hair! :lol:

4) Do you think other people might have different reasons for telling white lies? give examples.
I think people often tell little lies about work, etc... But most probably do it for the same reason I gave.

5) How would you feel about being told white lies?
I assume it is a part of life. As long as the lie isn't going to hurt me or my feelings, (ie - "You look great" but really my skirt is tucked into my underwear!) it is OK :lol:



**By the Way - I am NOT a compulsive liar!! :P

[Ishba]

merci beaucoup, both of you!