Community Chat

[manny2]

Yes, lying by omission.

[patbz]

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

[gertrudecloset]

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@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..

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

[gertrudecloset]

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.

[KLm]

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. 

[gertrudecloset]

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!!!!

[Nonametoday]

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.  

[Mz iMac]

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

[Flatbush]

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.

[MarieIG]

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.