become a habitual Mar you may find yourself caught in a web of deception, and feel unable to keep up with the false stories you've amassed over time. The frony of frequent white lies is a phenomenon psychologists call tleceiver's distrust. The more someone bends the truth , the more they become suspicious of others' honesty. It's like a self. fulfilling prophecy;constantly being dishonest makes it harder to trust others-even those who are genuinely truthful -which can create a toxic cycle and pushes people further apart. But telling a little white lie to your kids is different and totally acceptable, right? Fiona Yassin, a child , adolescent, and family psychotherapist, says it's natural for parents and carers to use lies as a means of protection, especially when it comes to grief,divorce, and current events. "As a result, parents often sugar. coat the truth, lie or embellish the reality," explains Fiona."However, when parents are dishonest - even with the best intentions - the impact on the child can be damaging. When a parent is dishonest to their child , it erodes trust in the relationship and may also distort the child's moral compass. "In reality, parents tend to lie to their children or tell half -truths because of their own discomfort about the situation, not the child's," says Fiona. "It might be Chance for self reflection Whether you're using lies with children or adults, before you tell the fih, use it as a chance for reflection. Why are you leaning on a lie in this particular situation? What is it that is so difficult to say? Are you worried that someone will dislike you, or that you'll be perceived in a way that's at odds with your self perception? Honesty can be an opportunity for Benuine self-growth . By avoiding the truth through little white lies, you miss the chance to build resilience , strengthen your integrity, have new learning experiences, and build deeper connections through transparency and openness. However, honesty doesn't mean oversharing. For example, children shouldn't be burdened with adult problems, and their emotional safety should be prioritised over treating them like confidants. Ultimately,open communication based on age appropriate honesty is key to building strong relationships. "Focusing on open and honest communication helps couples or families navigate situations where white lies might seem tempting," says Elle Mace, a positive psychology coach. "When everyone feels heard and valued, there's less incentive to resort to deception." While white lies might seem like the easy way out, there are more effective ways to Be direct Sometimes, the straightforward approach is best. Instead on a white lie about being busy, be honest: "I'm not feeling well enough to go out tonight." Explain your limitations kindly.offering an alternative if possible . Ilike rescheduling for another time Set boundaries Learning to say no is crucial. If someone asks you to do something, instead of trying to please them at all costs, set a clear boundary. For example: "I can't help with that right now, how about next week?"Assertiveness builds trust and stops you from over-committing. Honesty and positivity There's often a way to be truthful without being brutal Instead of a fake compliment about a questionable outfit, try:"This is a new look for you!How do you feel?" This avoids telling a lie, while still encouraging your friend to express their personal style. Already told a white lie and dealing with the consequences? It's time to come clean. "If a white lie has already damaged trust, steps can be taken to repair it and rebuild a foundation of honesty," says Elle. Ultimately, while white hes might seem like a quick fix, genuine connection and trust are built on a foundation of honesty. By prioritising open