A recent London survey, sponsored by the makers of a vodka-based beverage called WKD found each of us will tell an average total of 88,000 lies over the course of our lives. That’s 1,460 untruths a year or more than four in every day of an average, 60-year adult lifetime.
According to the firm’s poll of 2,500 men and women, “Nothing is wrong, I’m fine” tops what it says is a lengthy list of common lies.
Other favorites include, “No, your bottom doesn’t look big in that,” to a wife or girlfriend; “Of course I love you,” to a boring spouse or partner; and “This tastes delicious.”
The poll also suggests that men tell the most fibs, “coming out with [on average] five every day, compared with women, who lie just three times,” according to a spokesman.
But, as many men will tell you, some of those female falsehoods are real whoppers, especially as 44 percent of them do they speak nonsense about the damage done to the family budget by that new trouser suit or Imelda Marcos-style shoes.
Most of the fibs told seemed to be to spare someone’s feelings or keep peace within the family or workplace.
Confessions of 29% of the men surveyed showed they have lied about flirting with women other than their spouses or partners.
Do you recognize any of these?
“The check’s in the mail.”
“Nice to see you.”
“It’s just what I always wanted.”
“We’re just friends.”
“My watch stopped.”
“I’ve been in meetings all day.”
We have even fashioned a way for automation to lie to us these days.
“Please stay on the line, your call is important to us and someone will be with you shortly.”
“Your taxi will be there in 2 minutes.”
“Your name has been randomly selected to win a prize!”
How dangerous are these lies? Would the world be a better place without them? Think about how economical you are with the truth? Who do you lie to everyday? Do you tell these tales to save the people you lie to or yourself?
To read the full story from the Washington Post click here.
