‘If it’s genuinely going to be of benefit, then fib away’

TV PSYCHOLOGIST EMMA KENNY, SAYS: “The term

‘honesty is the best policy’ is a very worthy ideal. but if you’re in a healthy relationship, you’ll be pleased to know that little white lies are considered beneficial for you and your loved one. it makes sense, after all – how happy would you be if, when you asked your man: ‘does my bum look big in this?’ he were to respond: ‘yes, it looks massive!’ in fact, the reason that you ask him in the first place is because you want him to reassure you that you’re gorgeous. it makes sense that even if you’ve put on a few pounds, he refrains from confirming your fears and instead reminds you that you are perfect to him.

“There are so many situations that warrant the use of little white lies and the aim of these is always with the intention of either keeping the peace or saving someone from unnecessary hurt.

“of course, that isn’t to say that white lies can’t be harmful. After all, how many of us have enthusiastically agreed that our friend’s outfit is divine, while secretly thinking she looks like a drag queen; or encouraged her to message that hot guy despite knowing he will reject her.

“you see, that’s the balance when it comes to little white lies; the aim is to make sure that when you tell them, the positives outweigh the negatives, but that rule can be easy to forget when the pressure is on. so, before you tell a white lie, consider the consequences for the person you are directing it at. if it is genuinely going to be of benefit to them, then fib away. if, however, the chances are that in the end it will cause more harm than good, take a deep breath and tell the truth.”