How to Tell a White Lie

Sometimes the truth is more hurtful than a lie. In these situations social etiquette often permits the telling of a white lie. These small untruths are used to spare someone feelings and avoid messy situations.

Instructions

1. Think about your motivation. Before you tell a white lie make sure you are doing so for the right reasons. The purpose should be to spare someone's feelings. Make sure you aren't telling a white lie to avoid confrontation or some unpleasant issue.

2. Keep it simple. The smaller the white lie, the easier it is to remember and the more believable it sounds. Stay away from grand exaggeration. .

3. Control your body. Maintain eye contact. Don't stutter or ramble. Speak slowly and naturally. Don't turn away as you talk or fidget with your hands. Don't be stiff or agitated. Act natural.

4. Divert their attention elsewhere. Don't give them time to review your white lie and catch any inconsistencies. Move the conversation on to a new topic as soon as possible.

5. Tell the truth. Some times even white lies are not acceptable. By temporarily protecting someone's feelings, you may end up causing the humiliation or trauma you were trying to prevent.

Tips & Warnings

• White lies start off innocently enough. Problems occur when you have to continue adding on new lies to cover up the original.