We are living in a world full of lies, fabricated stories or tales, misleading information, and people who lie.

'Once a liar, always a liar', the old saying goes.

Because lying can ruin relationships and trust. Most everybody, at one moment or another, has lied.

What is a lie?

A lie is a statement that is assumed to be false, commonly used with the purpose of deceiving someone. The practice of conveying lies is called lying.

Why do people lie?

The primary reason why people lie is low self-esteem. They want to impress, please, and tell somebody what they think they want to hear. Often people lie as insurance to make themselves feel reasonably and better.

But did you know that there are four colors of lies?

To differentiate the four colors of lies, we must understand first how the lie affects us, and second, how it affects others.

The Four Colors of Lies

White Lies

A white lie is usually fairly innocent and considered justifiable by many. This kind of lie is a harmless untruth or a small falsehood, often done to spare someone's feelings or for some other discreet reason.

Example:

You told your best friend that you love her cooking, but the truth is it doesn't taste good.

Gray Lies

This kind of lie is common to us people, most of the lies we say are gray lies. Gray lies are not as genuine and selfless as white lies. They are partial to help others and partially to help ourselves.

Example:

While on the road, for you to be able to pass the ticketing officer after an overspeeding violation, you certainly told him that there was an insect flew right before your eyes, that's why you accidentally pressed the pedal making you unable to control your car's speed to get out of trouble.

Red Lies

Unlike any other shades, a red lie is a lie specifically made for the liar's sake. The statement told with complete awareness that the other person knows the statement to be false. These lies are driven by the intention to harm others, even when it produces harmful expense to oneself.

Example:

You pretend not to know who shattered the costly vase in your home, knowing you are the one who broke it. And let the blame be put into others.

Black Lies

These lies are harmful ones and intentionally told to hurt someone. These lies are being told to gain a personal benefit and unsympathetic selfishness.

Example:

Your workmate looks very elegant in her new outfit and looking beautiful, but you told her she looks cheap and her dress is not fitted with her. You intentionally told her that words to make her feel uncomfortable.

The Bottom line

Infact, some lies are just excuses or to justify something, no matter what kind or color it is. When lying, question your own motives first. Why do you need to tell lie, if you can tell the truth in so many ways? Whatever you call it, it is still lying. A lie will stay as a lie forever if you will not tell the truth.

Telling the truth creates freedom and lightness. So tell the truth now, and stop holding back on your excess baggage.

I hope you have a good time reading this.

Please share with me and discuss your thoughts and feelings about this in the comments section below.