When we are younger, we are taught not to lie under any circumstance. However, as we grow up, lying seems to become a necessary adaption to get through the day. Between telling a friend that they look good in the new blue top that they just bought to telling a co-worker that it’s totally not a problem to pick up their shift after school, lying to someone never turns out good in the end. Depending on who the person is, lying to them might begin with a questioning of their future fashion choices, and end with a loss of trust
With every small lie we tell an immunity is built up, and overtime, it becomes easier to tell bigger lies, Deb Hirschhorn, marriage and family therapist, states in an article posted on GoodTherapy.com. Ending up in a sticky situation that could have been avoided by simply telling the truth is a headache.
In society, we put people’s feelings over our own, and by doing this we are more inclined to lie when grandma asks if we like the sweater she bought for us. No, we do not like the sweater. However, there is a difference between being honest and blatantly disrespectful. Letting her know that your new favorite color is no longer green, but red saves awkward encounters, fake smiles, and probably a couple of dollars.
Psychology Today.com says that when we lie, we separate ourselves from the person we lied to as to “avoid the inner conflict and the danger we imagine awaits us if we come clean.” Speaking your mind and being truthful works out better for everyone involved. Could their feelings be hurt? Possibly, but it is far better than allowing a friend to continue to go around wearing the lime green track suit that does not match her complexion. As for taking up the co-worker’s shift, it is obviously an inconvenience that could have been avoided all together with just saying no instead of lying and saying that it is no big deal. More than likely, it was definitely a big deal. What if prior plans were made?
Is it worth it to give well deserved personal time to save the reputation of someone else? We all know that lying is bad, so we should stop white lies and regretful agreements. Understandably, it is hard to speak the truth instead of just going with what makes their life easier. Instead of causing a scene, lying is an easy cop out. However, by not lying, we become more reliable when someone asks for an opinion. Not everyone is going to want to hear the truth, but not everyone can be satisfied. White lies add up and in the end, a web of lies is built up and will be extremely hard to take down. At the end of the day, it is best to look out for personal self-interest than to please and falsely satisfy those around us.