Have you ever told a white lie to be kind, to protect the feelings of others, or maybe to simply avoid stigma? You're not alone.

For some living with a chronic condition, telling a white lie can be a way to save one's strength. Sometimes it's easier not to share your unvarnished truth, especially when it doesn't hurt anyone else.

Have you ever found yourself saying any of the following?

1. "No, no. I can do it myself."
2. "I'm not scared/nervous/anxious/unsure."
3. "I'm fine. Really."
4. "Don't worry. I'm used to this."
5. "No, I'm not in much pain."

Here are some conversations from the community about this topic:

"If you have people who don’t understand, that won’t even take 10 minutes of their time to understand what is happening to you, move on!"

"Marriage has been rocky since my diagnosis. I get that it’s scary for him but how does he think I feel? I always put on a brave happy face. I just wish he would say that he gets it."

"This disease can be a lonely one. Seems like it first takes our femininity, and then our money, and then our friends and family."

Why do you choose a white lie over sharing your true feelings?
What do you wish you could say instead?