With such contradicting messages coming at us since childhood, how are we supposed to know whether the truth really hurts - or is honest really the best policy?

It's a tough choice and the consequences of getting it wrong are massive. We've all been there... Surely the occasional little white lie doesn't hurt?

We all tell little white lies, convincing ourselves that we're being kind and that telling the truth would be somehow cruel.

"We tell lies when we are afraid... afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger." - Tad Willaims

The problem is that what starts off as a little white lie often has the habit of growing into a bigger, distinctly grey one. We can end up feeling guilty, stressed and too embarrassed to come clean. Then we're stuck in the cycle of this ever-growing deception.

"Telling the truth means never having to remember anything." - Mark Twain

Myth: Truth Hurts

It's not finding out the truth that hurts. It's finding out about the deception the truth exposes that hurts - not the truth itself.

Could you make a promise to yourself to only tell the truth?

How do we break the habit?

So many of us are in the habit of telling little white lies or even just exaggerations, that can get out of hand.

How can we break the habit?

The first step is to catch yourself at it. You don't have to do anything; just use the experience to reinforce your decision to be honest in future.

Then, how about having a new motto?

If you can't speak your truth with compassion, then say nothing.

How about when you can't get it right?

We all know the kinds of questions where we can't win - "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenarios. How do you handle them?

Does my bum look big in this?

Tell the person, calmly, that there's no "right" answer to the question.
Tell them you choose not to answer.

It's not reasonable to be put in the position where a lie might be necessary, in order to protect someone's feelings, so just don't go there.

Is there a situation in your life where fear has been stopping you from telling the truth?

What could you do about it, starting today?

If you're on your happiness journey and would like some happiness quick fixes, there are great, easy techniques you can apply right now, to start feeling happier in less than 5 minutes.

Claim your copy of "5 Secrets To Feeling Happier Now" by going to [ http://www.howtofeelhappier.com ] and looking for the sign up box in the top right hand corner.

From Clare Josa, author, seminar leader and expert coach for How To Feel Happier.