Wonderings 29

Is a LIE always a LIE or can some LIES actually be good ones to tell?

Parents lie to their children about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy.

Ministers withhold information (still a LIE) that the Bible says the universe is only 6,000 years old.

Politicians promise this or that and once elected do not follow through on that promise - this is considered a LIE.

Parents tell their children that the couple is not getting a divorce only to find out a few months later, there is a divorce - another LIE.

Spouses tell each other that their illness is not terminal when in fact it is, and they soon die - another LIE.

A lie is a lie is a lie...

One has not told the truth...

Withholding information is still a lie...

We lie to protect feelings...

YET...

if we tell the truth, we run the risk of really hurting one's feelings and destroying the relationship...  therefore, is it better to live without being fully informed of the truth?

So...

one spouse no longer loves the other spouse for whatever reason and there are kids involved - teenagers let's say...  we share with the other spouse that the love is gone but there will be no divorce because of the children.  Now, the truth has been told but the marriage is living a LIE because it is no longer based upon love as was promised by their vows.

When, if ever, do we tell the children and the longer we postpone, the longer we perpetuate the lie.