White Lies

white lie n. An often trivial, diplomatic or well-intentioned untruth.

I've told a few of these at work this week. Actually, they're beginning to pile up. So, I decided to look it up.

The approaching new year has sparked several conversations about the future around my office. I've chatted with colleagues about everything from business goals to vacation days in 2009.

"I'd like to take two weeks off in July," inquired one colleague. "Fine by me," was my reply.

With full intention that her vacation plans (or anybody else's) won't be on my calendar or my radar screen in July, I listened to her plans to get away from the workaday world for a precious two weeks. Then she asked about my vacation plans for next year.

"Nothing big," was the start of my not-so-little white lie. "We're just get away for a few long weekends."

It's just one example of what is fast becoming a big challenge at work. The truth is I really don't care about what's going on there. After all, I emotionally disconnected nearly 4 months ago. What I do care about is Boris and me making a major lifestyle change as soon as possible next year. And, of course, nobody at work knows about those plans. And, they won't until it's time to go.

By then I'll be well-skilled at the art of trivial, diplomatic and well-intentioned untruths.