Your texts are always thought-provoking and, written lightly, solidly, Lin.

I always look for a pleasing form of lie to answer a question that, if I told the truth, would be a despicable and utterly unnecessary act.

I searched my memory and I believe I have never used a truth to offend and hurt anyone; but your message made me think: this is indicative that some flaw of this kind must be hidden in my unconscious.

"But do you really need to hear all the hard truths about what a horrible person? You may or may not even be true?". Yes, it hurted me a lot, however, in some ways it helped me.

As you made clear, there are cases where the truth is not told to offend or lower someone's self-esteem, but a friendly help, if spoken with real kindness.

Congratulations on your post!