Ends and Means

[andrewducker]

I occasionally think about deceit and how worthwhile it is. It's one of those things I love in roleplaying games (hence my Scorpion Courtier in Legend of the 5 Rings), but avoid thoroughly in real life.

Experience has taught me that secrets cannot be kept by multiple people, the truth will come out and no matter how good your intentions were in lying to them, no matter how positive the outcome, people will hate you for not telling them the truth.

Can anyone think of situations where lies did, in fact work out for the best in the long run? (excepting things like counter-intelligence against enemy nations).

Comments

[moniqueleigh]

I find it best to tactfully point out the bad look without hurting their feelings. It's something along the lines of "Hmmm... Wow! That's a great dress, but I think this other dress would look soooo much better on you. Have you tried this on yet?"

That lets them know that the dress they've picked is not the best-looking thing in the world on them, but doesn't say you think they have lousy taste in clothing (regardless of your actual opinion).