Telling lies is like drunk driving. If we’re lucky, we won’t get caught and no one gets hurt. But is being ethical just about not getting caught or nobody getting hurt?  Still, drunk driving is wrong because it’s against the law and totally irresponsible to recklessly endanger human life. So do lies recklessly endanger human relationships?  Well, go ahead and ask the person you are lying to.  Ask them if you lie to them, will it help or hurt your friendship?  Will lying generate suspicion and distrust? Once lied to most people think, "What else will he lie to me about?" Are you willing to make that sacrifice?  George Washington once wrote, “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all title, the character of an ‘Honest Man.’”