Absolute Truth Vs White Lie?

Question

I've made a commitment to not lie about things. I'm not lying to cover up mistakes or things that I have forgotten about. What is your opinion about lying to conserve feelings or prevent awkwardness? Yesterday I was supposed to go to a bachelorette party. Here are the

3. reasons that I didn't go in order of importance:

1.I have exactly $10 left until September 15th (I'm a teacher that had expensive unexpected things come up over the summer and don't get paid again till mid September)

2. My car isn't working the best, so I've been taking the bus and it was late. By the time I would've caught the bus and gotten there, I would've had to leave to catch the last one.

3. Didn't really feel like it. (I was tired)

I found myself lying and saying that I tried to go, but I missed the bus. In reality, I didn't go because I didn't have money and didn't want people to feel like they had to buy me drinks and I didn't have money to buy her a gift yet.

What would you have done? Absolute truth or white lie?

Answer 1

All you have to say is, "I'd love to come, but sadly, I have a prior commitment-- I'll see you at the wedding".

This is not a lie; you have a date with yourself. If anyone asks for an explanation, tell them you'd rather not talk about it. Again, no lie involved. (such a question is rude, by the way)

Answer 2

White lie.  You don't have to go into great detail, just a simple explanation that won't hurt your friend's feelings or reveal more about your financial situation than you are willing to.

Answer 3

yeah i would of totally would of done the white lie. i was in the same boat at one time and i didnt want to tell her the truth because i was first a little ashamed that i didnt have any money and i didnt want my friends to know my financial business, guess you can say im too proud when it comes to that.

Answer 4

I absolutely agree with you on this one, you did the right thing. If the money, time and transportation isn't there then you really couldn't go. So, yes a little white lie is in order for this situation!

Good luck, it's sad that our teachers aren't paid a decent wage.