1. + White Lies White Lies We Should Stop Telling Each Other

2. + “Let’s hang out some time.” We need to stop doing this. I understand that this line serves as a go-to conversation closer for many awkward encounters. But have you ever thought of what would happen, if your counterpart actually said, “yes” and expected a follow- through plan to hang out? Don’t take the risk. More importantly, we have no intention of hanging out with this person out of our own free will, so why pretend? If you need a conversation closer, “Glad to see you’re still alive. Take care and have an awesome life.” has never failed me. Hope to see you soon! Let’s get coffee sometime. Its just a pleasantry.

3. + “Maybe he/she is busy, tired, awkward, shy, intimidated…” I want you to know that I am your best friend when I say, “Maybe he or she is just not that into you.” Maybe he or she is busy or shy or moving to Mars next month. But I’m not going to lie to you. Not getting feelings reciprocated sucks but you know what sucks more? Giving you false hope. Instead of making excuses up for our friends’ love interests, let’s just tell them how great we think they are and if someone they’re interested in, doesn’t see that or isn’t doing anything about it, it is that person’s loss.

4. + He’s just not that into you. Do you have a card? Looking forward to hearing from you. We’ll get in touch. Please don’t cyber-stalk him. We’re going against nature… He’s into you! He’s not that into you.

5. + “I’ll be there in 5 minutes.” This is typically said when planning on meeting someone ASAP but you’re running late. Do you know why you won’t be there in 5 minutes? Because you haven’t left your house yet. It’s obnoxious because what we’re really doing with this lie is giving someone an expectation that their wait time will be short. Waiting for people is annoying enough, but having to wait for longer than expected is just not cool. Would it really be so bad if we just told each other that due to tardiness, we will be meeting later than we had planned?

6. + White Lies What are the most common white lies in your culture? When is it ok to say a white lie? When is “honesty the best policy” ?