The Truth about Lying - Essay Example

Social Lies are mostly told to flatter others. Sometimes you feel the need to praise a loved one even though that person is not as worthy of that praise but think that by doing so you will make him happy. I think that I do tell social lies quite often. Maybe because I am a soft person by heart and I think a little encouragement can really make someone’s day. A few weeks back I had to face the consequences of telling such a lie. My new neighbor sent me a mincemeat pie which although looked delicious but tasted nothing close to good.

But when I saw her the other day I automatically told her how amazing and delicious her pie was.I thanked her and even went as far as stating that her cooking really inspired me and that I wish to cook like her, something that I did not need to do. The very next day which was a Sunday; she appeared at my door with all the same pie and happily told me that she had decided to spend her just to teach me how to make that pie. I had no choice but to invite her in. I wasted an entire weekend trying to make a pie that I had actually hated.

Peacekeeping lies which the author has mentioned in this category are the lies that we tell in order to avoid an argument or fight. I have too lied on several occasions for the same reasons. Viorst writes ‘And whenever I lie so that someone won'tdisapprove of me or think less of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, Ifeel I'm dodging responsibility, I feel . guilty.’(p 128, 9) This is the exact feeling I get too.