If your boss came to work in new attire that you thought looked hideous, would you lie or tell the truth? If you’re like me, you’d lie.
Afterward, you and I wouldn’t experience much guilt. Almost everyone tells white lies to protect others as well as ourselves from truths that could cause them or us unnecessary pain. In fact, a national survey revealed that 40% of people lied at least once during a 24-hour period.
If you met someone for the first time and wanted to appear likable and competent, would you tell a lie to make yourself look better? Most of us would, according to a University of Massachusetts study, which found that students lie two to three times during a conversation when they want to impress someone else.
Dispatches From The Front 