Most of us think of ourselves as honest people.  Which means we would not steal from our employer or cheat on our income tax.  However, the true definition of honesty  is someone who never tells a lie.  Since numerous studies have shown that the average person lies four times a day, it would appear that none of us are truly honest.  Actually, we expect politicians to lie.  Washington Post fact checkers determined that Biden made a total of 78 false or misleading statements during his first 100 days in office.  Using the same methodology, they found that his immediate predecessor, Donald Trump, made 511 false or misleading statements during his first 100 days.  The question  is, how many lies can you tell?

Psychologists have identified four main colors of lies: White, Gray,  Red, Black. Some go on to include Blue and Green lies. I would add Orange

White lies are thought to be harmless, and meant to please someone or  spare their  feelings. As an example  You would tell someone you like their new dress, even though it’s unflattering. _White lies are seen as a necessary part of everyday social interactions.

Gray lies are the untruths we tell to keep ourselves out of trouble.  As in, “officer I was only speeding because I think I’m having a heart attack.”  Kids lie to their parents about drugs, sex and alcohol.   Sometimes it  works, and other times it doesn’t, depending on the skill of the liar.

Black Lies are deceptive–an effort to  gain personal benefit.  People cheat on their partners. Lawyers may raid their client’s trust funds. Most of us can spot a bold faced lie , but not if the person is very clever. .

Red lies are about revenge and spite.  They’re meant to deliberately harm someone, and they often do.  Especially in the workplace.

Blue lies are made in defense of a group or organization.  Church members may cover up the failings of a popular minister.

Green lies are told by those who don’t even realize they’re lying.  They’re just telling a good story.  They’re  full of blarney, as the Irish would say.  They’re so entertaining that no one  cares if they’re truthful.

Orange lies are what I call bragging lies.  They indicate the liar  is insecure and wants to bolster his own self confidence. The flip side of this is humblebragging, defined as bragging masked by a complaint or humility, intended to show what a fine person they really are.

But sometimes, we’ve put up with all the lying we can stand, especially if it’s the black kind.   I think Republican Congressman George Santos has probably reached the tipping point with his numerous, blatant lies about his background before he got elected.  But then again, you never know.  His constituents may not really care, as long as he votes the way House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wants him to.

Eventually,  we get fed up with frequent  liars. Do they really think we’re dumb enough to fall for their fabrications? How many lies can you tell  before no one believes a word you say?