October 4th, 2007 @ 3:52 pm by: Marc
The 15 Most Common White Lies and Why
Everyone tells a white lie on occasion, it’s just a question of why. Some white lies save relationships, some ease a hectic situation, and others buy us time. The list could go on forever. Stretching the truth is a natural component of human instinct because it’s the easy way out. We all do it, so there is no reason to deny it. Honestly, I think the world is probably a better place because of our white lies.
As long as we aren’t hurting others or breaking the law, these innocent lies can make life more pleasant. They can absorb potential friction between our varying personalities and vacillating moods as we nudge into one another on the quest through our daily routine. Most of these white lies only stretch an interpretation of what the truth actually is anyways. Given our rigid optimism to each lead a tailored ideal life, white lies simply cushion us from ourselves.
Here’s my list of the 15 most common white lies and why we tell them:
- It wasn’t me! – Because some things just aren’t worth taking credit for.
- The table will be ready in 5 minutes. – Because it sounds a lot better than 15 minutes.
- Oh, yeah. That makes sense. – Because option B involves admitting that I am clueless.
- Thank you so much! I just love it! – Because telling someone that their gift sucked would make me look like an insensitive jerk.
- Yeah, you look great in that dress. – Because it’s better than being slapped.
- Oh, things would have been different if I was there! – Because I’m Superman and I can always make a difference… or at least that’s how I want others to perceive of me.
- No, officer… I have no idea how fast I was going. – Because claiming ignorance is sometimes better than admitting to insubordination.
- I’m 29. – Because 29 is like 20 years younger than 30.
- Yeah, I’ll start working on that ASAP! – Because telling you I have 10 things to do first would just irritate you.
- Yes, John was with me last night. – Because that’s what friends do… we agree and ask questions later.
- My resume is 5 pages long for a good reason. – Because I’m darn good at bullshittin’!
- Man, that sucker was 10 feet long! – Because anything less would be boring.
- Yeah, I was a badass on my high school football team! – Because I want to be seen by others in an even stronger light than I see myself.
- I’m 21, 6’5, with a muscular build. – Because you can’t see me in this online chat room… ha ha!
- I thought I already sent that email out. I’m sure I did. – Because telling you that it was a low priority and I forgot would probably hurt our relationship.
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13 Comments
October 5th, 2007 at 1:52 am
pretty funny and I can actually identify with a few of these not all
October 15th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
[…] Some examples are: Yeah, you look great in that dress, I’m 29, and No, officer… I have no idea how fast I was going. [link] […]
October 16th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
“Yeah, I was a badass on my high school football team”
Isn’t a white lie. It’s the other kind.
October 18th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
This is a great list. One of my biggest pet peeves are these white lies!
October 25th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
[…] Marc and Angel explain The 15 Most Common White Lies and Why. […]
October 29th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Love ‘em. I am also famous for saying “Hey, I was just about to call you.”
-Murphy
February 18th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I don’t really think that all of these lies are white lies.
February 18th, 2008 at 11:07 am
@Heeyun:
Definition of White Lie:
White lie, a euphemism for such lies as one finds it convenient to tell, and excuses himself for telling.
I guess you could analyze and argue it either way… but I think these 15 lies fit the bill of a white lie. Do you have better examples?
April 17th, 2008 at 11:15 am
The 15 Most Common White Lies and Why | Deliggit.com…
\r\nHeres my list of the 15 most common white lies and why we tell them.\r\n[…
April 19th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Nice post, although this seems to be worded like those played out ‘demotivational posters’. Mainly the use of ‘Because…’ after every “white lie”. Still, hilarious. Stumbled!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:26 am
I have one. Someone gives you a new food you have never tasted. You taste it for the first time and you hate it. If they ask you how it tastes you can say, “It’s out of this world!”
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
[…] a blog post on “Marc and Angel Hack Life: Practical Tips for Productive Living,” Marc explains “The 15 […]
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
well i love saying white lies
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