I'll start by saying that it's crystal clear that lying is not right. This isn't just a religious view, morality also supports this. That's why even freethinking individuals won't appreciate lies. It's a moral standard, upheld that way. Telling a lie involves concealing the truth and making an alternate statement to that which is true. It could be far from the truth or close to it, say just some little tweaks. Nevertheless, it remains a lie, whatever the case.
I needed to lay that foundation so that it doesn't seem telling a lie is right, though it could seem necessary at some point or in some situations. This is where the subject of white lies comes in. It's telling a lie for a perceived or supposed good reason. Maybe to make someone feel better, not to escalate situations, and to keep out tension. Basically, to avoid the devastating consequences that come with telling that truth.
Honestly, saying the truth in some of these cases is easier said than done. We were taught to always tell the truth and this is upheld societally as a moral standard, which is right. We're also aware in our knowledge even as adults that telling lies is certainly not okay. But when a situation, a complicated one presents itself and saying a white lie seems like the best way out, what does one do? Hold on to the moral standard or let it slide for the situation at hand?
Situations can be critical that saying a lie, whether white or black looks like the better option. I've had times when it looked like that. Sometimes, it was suggested that we do so just so things could end in peace. I've featured in some. It could be telling someone that something they did is good or looks good, or that they are good at something when they aren't really, just to make them feel good or let peace reign. That seems justified for a white lie, right?
That which tends to justify a white lie is that it's told to avoid destructive consequences. But I look deeper and see that there's a deeper destructive consequence when truth is concealed and a white lie is told. With a white lie, it's a temporary avoidance of the consequences that come with knowing the truth. But like it's always said, the truth will find its way around. And here's the thing, will I like to be the person found on the other side of the truth?
It's even worse when the person is close to you and they find out the truth, but they also find you in the equation as not being true with them. This hurts more than the truth said would have. It can affect the relationship and the subject of trust. As much as telling a white lie can and has seemingly helped to solve difficult situations, it's temporary and nothing remains hidden under the sun. Truth finds its way now or later, and truth is what makes people better.
Is this a clear declaration that things should be said as they are? No. Perhaps, people can find a white lie helpful in some situations and supposedly the best option. Considering the pain of knowing the truth later on and realising that one has been lied to, though from a harmless intention and motive, truth can be said in a wise, subtle way, bit by bit that in the end it leaves the truth known, but less hurtful than bluntly saying it would or finding out later as well.
