Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

If someone asks my opinion about something I will always tell them the truth, even if the truth isn't what they want to hear. If a person is offended because, for instance, I haven't enthused about something they are wearing, they have only themselves to blame for asking my opinion in the first place, if what they really wanted was to be flattered!

Normally I shrug it off when people aren't happy with my responses, but there was one time when it was most awkward indeed. When my father was dying he tried to make me promise to do something, which would probably have made him die happy, but I had absolutely no intention of doing what was requested of me. I could not have lived with myself if I had promised to do it, knowing full well I would never in a million years fulfil the request. It was not something he should have asked me to do anyway, and I had to point that out to him, which of course didn't make me popular. But HEY HO that is life.

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

Yes I would lie if it was something that would not have serious repercussions.
Too often telling the truth can be an excuse for tactless rudeness .
Would I lie to my father to make him die happy ?
A thousand times yes

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

I agree muddy I very much value honesty but it's more important not to hurt people especially a dying man than my principles.

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

I agree with Muddy. It very much depends on the circumstances and what you are going to lie about. It is not impossible to be tactful without lying.

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

Hi

I lied for 25 years, every time she cooked a meal.

Her brother, when he came to stay, would never eat anything she had cooked.

She was a legend in her own family when it came to cooking.

I can remember my son, as a young teenager, when asked by his mum if he wanted gravy replying "Yes Please. Two lumps"

He was braver than I was.

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

Or vile intent.....or psychotic attention seeking?

I agree 100%, I'd do the same as you.

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

Of course you would Muddy, as would I ... Just goes to show the difference between her and everyone else

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

Of course it depends on the circumstances

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

I agree with all the replies so far, especially Tpin's.

Re: Would you lie to spare someone's feelings?

I have a problem with lying, I don't like doing it but there is such a thing as a tactful response. If I can wriggle without causing offence, I will.