35 Ways to Not Tell the Truth
- Madhukar Dama
- Apr 4
- 6 min read
Here are some valid reasons why telling the truth isn’t always the best option:
1. To Avoid Hurting Someone’s Feelings
Brutal honesty can sometimes cause unnecessary pain.
Example: Telling a friend their outfit looks bad right before an event may only make them self-conscious.
2. To Maintain Peace in Relationships
Some truths create unnecessary conflicts.
Example: Bringing up an old mistake your partner made might reopen wounds without solving anything.
3. When the Truth Won’t Change Anything
If revealing the truth doesn’t help, it may be better left unsaid.
Example: Telling a friend their partner had a minor crush on someone else years ago serves no purpose.
4. To Protect Someone’s Confidence or Secret
If someone trusted you with information, it’s your duty to keep it.
Example: Your colleague tells you about their new job offer but hasn’t informed the boss yet.
5. When It’s a Social Courtesy
Sometimes, white lies are just polite.
Example: Saying "I’m fine" even when you’re having a bad day avoids unnecessary explanations.
6. To Avoid Unnecessary Drama
Some people overreact, and telling them the truth can create chaos.
Example: Your mother asks if you ate outside, and saying "no" avoids a long lecture on home-cooked food.
7. When the Other Person Can’t Handle the Truth
Some truths can be too overwhelming.
Example: Telling a child harsh details about family problems may disturb them unnecessarily.
8. To Avoid Unfair Judgment
Some people don’t understand context and might judge you unfairly.
Example: Admitting you took a break from work due to stress may make people assume you are unreliable.
9. When You Are Not Ready to Share
Personal matters should be shared at your own pace.
Example: You don’t have to tell people about your breakup until you’re comfortable discussing it.
10. To Maintain Professionalism
In workplaces, oversharing can be risky.
Example: Telling your boss that you dislike a client may not be the smartest career move.
11. To Prevent Someone from Worrying
Sometimes, sparing someone from stress is kinder.
Example: You don’t tell your elderly parents about a minor accident to avoid making them anxious.
12. If It’s a Matter of Personal Safety
Revealing too much personal information can put you at risk.
Example: Not telling a stranger online your exact location is just common sense.
13. When the Truth Would Embarrass Someone
It’s better to be discreet in sensitive situations.
Example: Your friend has something stuck in their teeth at a party—you tell them privately later instead of embarrassing them in front of everyone.
14. To Keep Social Harmony
Unfiltered honesty can sometimes create rifts in families or friendships.
Example: Criticizing a relative’s cooking at a family dinner might spoil the mood for everyone.
15. When It’s Not Your Truth to Tell
Some information isn’t yours to share.
Example: You know your friend is planning a surprise proposal, but you don’t spill the secret.
16. When It’s a Temporary Situation
Some issues resolve themselves over time.
Example: Your friend is feeling insecure about their career—you don’t need to remind them of their past failures.
17. If It’s a Matter of Professional Ethics
Confidentiality is crucial in some situations.
Example: A doctor cannot reveal private patient information even if asked.
18. To Avoid Unnecessary Guilt
Telling someone a painful truth when nothing can be done may only make them feel guilty.
Example: Telling a friend they were unknowingly left out of a party after it’s over only makes them feel bad.
19. If the Truth Is Only Temporary
Feelings and situations change, so there's no need to state something that might not be relevant later.
Example: You’re having doubts about your job, but telling your manager right now might create unnecessary tension.
20. When a White Lie Makes Someone Happy
Small, harmless lies can sometimes bring joy.
Example: Telling your niece that her drawing is "amazing" even if it’s just scribbles encourages her confidence.
Truth is valuable, but knowing when to speak and when to stay silent is wisdom!
---------
Here’s are 35 ways to avoid answering an uncomfortable question.
1. Ignoring the Question
Example:"Beta, when are you getting married?""
Arre Chachi, have you tried the samosas? They are amazing!"
2. Answering a Different Question
Example:"Did you get a salary hike?"
"Work is going well! My boss really appreciates my efforts."
3. Changing the Subject
Example:"When are you planning for kids?""
Oh, did you hear about Rahul’s new job? He’s doing great!"
4. Giving a Vague Answer
Example:"Are you seeing someone?"
"I am meeting a lot of people these days."
5. Answering with a Joke
Example:"How old are you?"
"Old enough to get scolded by mom but young enough to still ask for pocket money!"
6. Pretending You Didn’t Hear
Example:"How much did you spend on your wedding?"
"Oh sorry, I got distracted. What were you saying?"
7. Redirecting the Question Back
Example:"Do you regret your college choice?"
"What about you? Do you think you made the right decision?"
8. Using Sarcasm
Example:"When will you settle down?"
"Bas ab shaadi.com se call aane hi wala hai!"
9. Answering with a Story
Example:"Why did you leave your job?"
"Funny thing, I actually wanted a break, but then I found something better!"
10. Making an Excuse
Example:"Why didn’t you come to the family function?"
"Oh, work was super hectic that day. I really wanted to come!"
11. Acting Confused
Example:"Are you still single?"
"Wait, I thought we were talking about cricket!"
12. Deflecting with a Compliment
Example:"Did you buy a new car?"
"Your car looks so nice! Which model is it?"
13. Saying It’s Private
Example:"How much do you earn?"
"Oh, I prefer not discussing money matters."
14. Claiming You Don’t Remember
Example:"Who was your first crush?"
"Arre yaar, school time ki baat hai, kaun yaad rakhta hai?"
15. Stating That You’re Not Allowed to Say
Example:"What was your appraisal rating?"
"That’s confidential, I can’t share it."
16. Blaming Time Constraints
Example:"Can we discuss your breakup?"
"Yaar, abhi nahi, let’s talk later."
17. Saying You’ll Tell Them Later
Example:"Why didn’t you come for the puja?"
"Long story, I’ll tell you some other time."
18. Pretending You Misunderstood
Example:"Are you pregnant?"
"Oh, you were talking about my diet?"
19. Saying It’s Complicated
Example:"Why did you move back to India?"
"It’s a complicated decision, too many factors."
20. Redirecting to a Generalization
Example:"Have you ever failed in life?"
"Everyone faces ups and downs, that’s life!"
21. Pretending You Need to Check
Example:"How much did your phone cost?"
"Oh, I don’t remember, I’d have to check the bill!"
22. Using Humor to Change the Mood
Example:"How old are you?"
"Old enough to scold kids, young enough to get scolded by elders!"
23. Bringing Up a Mutual Friend’s Story
Example:"Are you planning to have kids?""
Oh, did you hear about Ramesh and Priya? They just had twins!"
24. Stating That It’s Not Important
Example:"Why did you fail in your first business?"
"That’s old news now, what matters is what I am doing today!"
25. Referring to Unspecified Future Plans
Example:"When will you buy a house?"
"Let’s see, when the time is right."
26. Pretending You Misheard the Question
Example:"Did you get rejected in your job interview?"
"Oh, you were asking about my future plans? I’m still deciding."
27. Suggesting the Question Is Rude
Example:"Why don’t you have kids yet?""
Arre, that’s a very personal question!"
28. Mentioning a Non-Related Issue
Example:"Did you break up with your partner?"
"Oh, did you watch yesterday’s cricket match?"
29. Saying You’re Not the Right Person to Answer
Example:"Why did your cousin leave his job?"
"I’m not the best person to answer that."
30. Citing Confidentiality
Example:"Why was your boss transferred?"
"That’s an internal matter, can’t discuss it."
31. Saying It’s Not the Right Time
Example:"Can we talk about your past relationships?"
"Now’s not the best time for that."
32. Politely Laughing It Off
Example:"Did you fail your driving test?"(Laughs)
"Oh, let’s not go there!"*
33. Distracting with a Compliment
Example:"Are you still struggling financially?"
"By the way, that kurta looks amazing on you!"
34. Acting as If You Didn’t Understand
Example:"Why did you drop out of college?"
"Oh, I thought you were asking about my current job!"
35. Giving an Ambiguous Answer
Example:"Are you happy with your life choices?"
"Happiness is a journey, not a destination!"
This should make it easier to handle tricky questions from nosy relatives, colleagues, or neighbors in everyday Indian life!
