Breathe Magazine Issue 077 Back Issue

There can be many reasons to tell a white lie. Thanking someone for a well-meant but unwanted gift, assuring a friend you like their startling new haircut, praising a dinner party host for their cooking skills when the result was far from delicious. It’s easy to argue that it’s for the greater good, to maintain peace or to save someone’s feelings from getting hurt. But honestly, the truth is usually more beneficial for health and happiness.
White lies tend to be thought of as a kindness, a behaviour that benefits you and those around you. The reasons for them may sound noble enough, but often they’re driven by a desire to escape guilt (you aren’t in the mood to meet a friend, but you say you’ve got to work), judgment (a topic you have strong views about comes up in conversation, but you say you have no opinion either way) or discomfort (you slept in, but you tell your boss you got a flat tyre). Each time you decide to lie, even if it has good intentions, it can make you feel bad. Your heart rate might go up, your palms might start to sweat. And if you’re lying, who’s to say others aren’t doing the same? Now you’re not sure who to trust.
The benefits of striving for authenticity, meanwhile, are myriad. When someone is honest and open, it creates a safe space for others to be the same way. Mutual sharing offers the chance to make deeper connections, and is the basis for close relationships. Saying you’re too tired or down to meet up opens the door for a friend to share how they’re feeling.
So choose a more truthful path today, even if it’s with just one person, and dare to share your thoughts and opinions in a sincere and straightforward way. By building trust in your daily interactions, you have the opportunity to grow your faith in those around you. Show others that they can be candid with you, and be open to their ideas. Because the truth is, honesty really is the best policy.