<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rudyard K @ Mar 24 2009, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Gotta go with Sis on this...It Depends.

First I guess it would depend on how well I know someone. I don&#39;t really mind saying something that is not favorable...but I have to see some upside in it. Are they really being serious that they want to know the truth? If they know the truth is it going to make a positive difference? Is my answer more likely to harm them or me? If it is only me I can be more honest.

Its the inbetween people who are the most difficult to deal with on a tough question. Someone you barely know is probably not worth the effort of getting too worked up about being too truthful with a tough question. Be truthful and let the chips fall where they may...or keep your mouth shut. Who cares? Someone you know really well is probably more able to accept a tough answer. They already know the depth of your affection. But the in between peson is a bit tougher. They may not be as comfortable with my answer...and I have no intent to harm. But being false is not good either. So, it is a crap shoot...it just depends on the question or the answer.

Like most things in life...There are no simple answers.

Whatever prompts you to ask such a question? :D[/b]
Best Answer.

People lie for selfish reasons. Telling the truth takes a lot more time, energy & emotional currency. It is n0t so much a matter of hurting someone&#39;s feelings but the subsequent follow-on discussions after telling the truth trying to clarify your point of view and often helping the person you&#39;ve told the truth too take corrective action.

Then there are things where it just makes no sense to tell the truth. Of course the new parents&#39; baby is gorgeous.....and even if it looks like WTF, why give them a complex. There is a good chance it grows into a nice normal looking kid.