Do White Lies Matter in a Relationship?

White lies also aren't serious deceptions. And deceptions are damaging to the relationship. A serious deception, Orenstein said, is about protecting yourself, not your partner. ... Keeping secrets and withholding your feelings from your partner often sabotage your relationship.

Are white lies bad for a relationship?

It can have drastic consequences and there's nothing you can do to amend it. However, there are lies that can do no harm, but can enhance your relationship with your partner. Like the little white lies you say to your partners just because you don't want them to feel bad or look bad.

Is it OK to tell white lies?

White lies are often innocuous. We tell them to create a magical world for our children, or, more often, as a way to be polite and demonstrate social manners. Overall, white lies are for beneficial purposes. Being totally honest in some cases would create unpleasantness or be offensive.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.