polite fictions
Diplomatic untruths exchanged
Polite fictions are shared pretenses that smooth social interaction—things everyone knows aren't quite true but agrees to treat as true.
Saying I'm fine when you're not, or pretending not to notice someone's obvious toupee.
The fiction maintains dignity or avoids awkwardness.
Unlike lies, polite fictions are collaborative: both parties participate in the pretense.
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- good mannersSocially acceptable conduct
- tactSensitivity in speech
euphemisms · saving face · face-saving · subjective truth · noble lie · pretense · white lies · little white lies · propriety · flattery · diplomacy · mannerliness · indirectness · unspoken rules · decorum · deference · pleasantries · gentility
polite fictionsbrutal honesty
Unsparing directness in speech
hard truths · unvarnished truth · straight talk · telling it like it is · calling a spade a spade
polite fictionsconfrontation
Direct hostile encounter
elephant in the room · saying the quiet part out loud · airing dirty laundry · public shaming · calling a spade a spade
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