topic Re: Is Withholding Information a ever a Lie? in Community Chat

Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

gertrudecloset — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:13:48 GMT

Most people would agree that healthy relationships (of any kind) are built on trust.

If someone withheld information from you that could possibly change your perception of them aren't they lying to you?

Re: Is Withholding Information a ever a Lie?

deepwaterdotter — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 01:58:24 GMT

No.

Re: Is Withholding Information a ever a Lie?

ECBG — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:02:22 GMT

Absolutely. It's called the "full truth". Am omission is a lie.

Re: Is Withholding Information a ever a Lie?

happycat — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:10:47 GMT

Yes, it is being dishonest. Maybe not be coming out and telling a lie, but its just as bad in my opinion.

Re: Is Withholding Information a ever a Lie?

Free2be — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:15:51 GMT

It depends on the relationship, the degree of any right to know. For instance a couple about to marry should not withhold information that would change how one feels about the other. Full disclosure is best then.

A friend owes no such share with another friend unless possibly there is also a business relationship and the information would impact that..

Re: Is Withholding Information a ever a Lie?

Sooner — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:17:13 GMT

Do these pants make my butt look fat?

Re: Is Withholding Information a ever a Lie?

jannabelle1 — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:17:17 GMT

Your question presumes guilt for not telling you everything about their past. That doesn't mean they are lying to you. They could be withholding information that may include something that is not illegal, and that they'd prefer to not disclose.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

Desertdi — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:19:40 GMT

Depends.........on whether it's any of the questioner's business to know.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

Silver Lining — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:20:27 GMT

@gertrudecloset wrote:
Most people would agree that healthy relationships (of any kind) are built on trust.

If someone withheld information from you that could possibly change your perception of them aren't they lying to you?

Yes. It's lying by omission.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

Drythe — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:22:59 GMT

No offense intended, but this sounds a bit like a survey question.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

manny2 — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:23:20 GMT

Yes, lying by omission.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

patbz — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:23:48 GMT

"The Art of the small omission" is another way to say " a lie".

Re: Is Withholding Information a ever a Lie?

gertrudecloset — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:24:38 GMT

@Free2be wrote:
It depends on the relationship, the degree of any right to know. For instance a couple about to marry should not withhold information that would change how one feels about the other. Full disclosure is best then.

A friend owes no such share with another friend unless possibly there is also a business relationship and the information would impact that..

@Free2be This gets to the heart of the reason why I posed the question! The couple-dom angle.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

gertrudecloset — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:26:45 GMT

No it's not a survey @Drythe . I guess you would have liked some "back story?"

I'll consider adding some. I'm really asking for romantic/marriage relationship purposes that have nothing to do with me, but a relative I tried telling this to for many years.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

KLm — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:32:18 GMT

To me a lie requires the intent to deceive.

If not telling something involves no intent to deceive the other person, it is not a lie or even a lie of omission. It is just an omission.

If knowlege is withheld in order to deceive, that is a lie.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

gertrudecloset — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:36:31 GMT

Everyone is giving me a lot of points of view from which to view this. I do have an opinion on this, I just wanted a "take" from varying points of view, taking into consideration the variables that could be present. I appreciate the input.

Excellent and I will give you the reason why I'm asking before long.

Thank you "Community Chat" commenters!!!!

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

Nonametoday — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:38:20 GMT

In a marriage, sometimes it is best to withhold information, like "where did you get that dress?" Me: "oh. That dress? You never saw it before? It came from Dillard's.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

Mz iMac — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:40:51 GMT

"Ask me no questions and I will tell you no lies"

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

Flatbush — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:45:28 GMT

I don't think there is an absolute answer to this. It all depends on each situation. However, lying under oath is always a bad idea.

Re: Is Withholding Information ever a Lie?

MarieIG — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:47:20 GMT

Well, my first inclination was to say no. Why would I be under the obligation to tell everyone with whom I had any type of relationship all about my business.

With regard to a romantic relationship (which you indicated in a later post was what you are referencing) there is a different dynamic and level of obligation. And - that would change as the relationship progressed.

I don't know if I buy the "lie by omission" but there can be a deliberate intent to deceive/conceal information (for selfish or even criminal purposes) from someone who should be, or is entitled to be, told.

I suppose I would need to know the circumstances.