Essay Sample on White Lies

Lying has always been called a sin, but we’ve all lied to save ourselves from unfortunate events. Although there is a negative connotation that wraps around it like a whirlpool, it is a tool that is always in our corner no matter what our routine lives consist of. The never-ending power that comes from using these little lies is truly unrealistic but relieving at the same time. The lie holds a sense of lifesaving truths behind them, when protecting someone, when saving someone from embarrassment and when there is no time to change an unfortunate outcome. 

To begin with the protection provided to someone you care for is one of the kindest acts of endearment. So, when faced with shattering a child’s innocence, most would handle the situation with child gloves. Whether it be to tell them someone has passed away or that they are incarcerated, the quote “they’re on vacation and we will visit them soon,” could be told to shield them. Yes, we would eventually tell them the truth but in the meantime, they should not have to live with that burden. That would be too much to bear for a young adult, let alone a child. The quiet sense of fear that expels out of you in a dangerous situation can be the best illustrates us lying for protection. In a situation where someone is being followed and even harassed the smartest thing to do is not answer but when cornered lying is always a reinforcement. There is no reason whatsoever to answer unsolicited questions from strangers or personally invading from friends or family. 

Secondly, saving one from embarrassment while keeping the environment calm is crucial. For instance, you are out with a group of friends and one of them is low on funds. You would step in and offer to cover their expenses to ensure that they did not have to hear any offensive remarks from others, who are more financially independent and stable. “Let me get your portion of the bill because you covered me last week. Thank you again for that,” you would say knowing that they would be too timid to ask for help and even more fragile when joked about. Keeping their emotional integrity intact by saving them from having to hear all the nasty commentary is a key element in keeping the atmosphere light and enjoyable. Saving one from uncomfortable questions and unnecessary comments always seems to be a great accomplishment while reminiscing after a late night.  

In addition, when planning has gone wrong and there is no time to fix the issue at hand, there is always a small sense of relief when we know we can involve a white lie. For example, when we forget a celebration and do not have time to shop for a gift, we mutter something along the lines, “Oh, I forgot it at home, but I will circle back with it later” or nowadays with Amazon and other online retail “Unfortunately, it has not arrived yet, but I will be by with the surprise once I get it in.” That is the little white lie best known and easily digested, however there are some that are seen as more extreme. Case in point, when confronting terminal illness, the delicate situation is dealt with in many ways. And in some cases, the person who is ill may not want to disclose the painful news and would rather just spend their last moments with their loved ones. Enjoying spontaneous vacations, meals, and outings, leaving them with peaceful memories to accompany them as they grieve. The subtle kiss farewell to hold them over till they meet again. The lies and façade their display only fortifying their last moments with their loved ones.  

In conclusion, there are many situations where lying is considered more beneficial. The white lies may soften the tragic blows and reinsure the structure of the happy familiar bonds we have. The one thing to keep in mind when doing so is truly a direr motive like preserving someone’s innocence, sparing someone embarrassment, and running out of time. Now does that make us bad people, that is another question to ponder. Some may say lying is not required but as in fact, lying is sometimes peoples way out of being caught in a twist.