Relating to my interest in politeness, I found the section on lies most compelling. However, I wanted more discussion relating to lies in context. I was interested in reasons for lying, such as selfish or white lies. For instance, if you lie to cover up cheating, that is a selfish lie. You are hurting someone else while protecting yourself. If you lie to compliment someone on their new haircut, it is a white lie. You are being polite because you are saving their face and not embarrassing them with critiques or insults. However, I was thinking that if one of my best friends lied to me, no matter what circumstance, I would be offended. On the other hand, I don't necessarily want strong critiques from people who I do not know or who have little knowledge of a situation. So, in what situations would lies, even little white ones be appropriate or inappropriate? What situations or with what people should we lie? Or, is it best to always tell the truth? Furthermore would you or should you lie when you are with someone of a different cultural background?
Bottom line: What, if any criterion is there to judge the appropriateness of lies?