We don’t always say what we mean. Sometimes we have to conceal our true feelings in order to spare those of others, or to save face. For example, you know you can be honest with your best friend when she asks if you like that canary-yellow sweater she’s thinking of buying. You can tell her that that thing only belongs on Big Bird. But, if your mother-in-law asks if you like that vase she had sent over to you… It’s time for a lie. 

You wouldn’t want to be iced out of your family-in-law over something so small. A well-placed lie is a good thing. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sure, we all hate to be lied to in theory. But do I need my dentist to tell me that I have the worst flossing habits of all of his patients? No. I can infer that for myself.