Counting our white lies

• In a typical day recently, I tried to keep track of the "white lies" I told. After spouting out three white lies in the first two hours of my counting — all aimed at avoiding hurt feelings — I actually avoided a lot of communication with people. That way, I couldn't tell more white lies. But I told two more that night for a daily total of five.

Being aware of how many white lies are told may be helpful, because it will make you better understand why you may tell them in the first place.