How long is your nose?

There are those people who insist that popular childhood myths – Father Christmas, the Tooth Fairy, etc. – are lies. I know of at least one adult who believes that his ability to trust was severely damaged when he found out that his parents had lied about where his Christmas presents came from.

To lie is to be human. But the word need definition and clarification.

The biblical term, which is well known, is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. That is clearly wrong. Telling lies about another person to gain advantage for oneself or to denegrate or discredit another.

Then, sticking to a biblical theme there is the sort of lie that Peter told when asked if he knew Jesus at his trial. He declared that he had no knowledge of him at all. That didn't hurt anyone, but Peter was distraught afterwards as he knew he had been untrue to himself.

Then there are those 'lies' where people exaggerate or are economical with the truth. Sometimes these are merely silly or make for a good story, but sometimes they become so blatant that they discredit the teller. Unwise.

And finally there are those lies designed to protect others from pain or distress. There is a judgement call with all of these, but I do feel that sometimes the raw truth is too painful for some to cope with and it needs editing. I'm sure we've all said things to our children for example to spare them distress.

A child's ability to tell a lie is an important sign of brain development. I don't think it's always wrong to tell a lie. They have their uses. For instance, if someone asks an impertinent question, rather than tell them to mind their own bloody business, you can give them the answer you think they want just to shut them up, 'politely'.

In some circumstances telling a lie is not a good idea, but the line between what is an acceptable lie and what isn't depends on the circumstances – as with most moral issues. There is rarely a simple black and white distinction between bad and not bad or good and not good.

I agree and would even allow that it could be fair to lie to protect your privacy - for example, if you changed your forum name and did not want to admit it. I hasten to add that I am the same old Greatnan that I have been since I joined, and will remain so.

I do find it hard to believe that some people have never done anything wrong - perhaps they are just less self-knowing than the rest of us!

Yes, we all tell lies in varying degrees. The majority are 'white lles' giving socially desirable answers rather than the blunt truth, which can sometimes be hurtful. I would much prefer to hear a softened version, than something harsh, delivered with an uncaring 'but it's the truth!'