Just about everybody tells the truth when it does them no harm, and this can lead people to think of themselves as basically honest when, in fact, they really aren't. Our true character doesn't show until it's put under stress. The moment that determines whether I am honest or not is what comes out of my mouth at a time when telling the truth will:

- Expose unacceptable behavior and thereby lower other's opinion, or subject me to punishment

- Give the other person enough information to decide against what I want them to do 

- Cause me to lose some benefit

- Reveal my negative feelings about the other person which makes me have to face their displeasure

- Results in me having to do something I don't want to