10 things people always lie about

We all have our personal lists - of the zaniest, quirkiest, funniest, craziest or smartest ... We devote this page to them.

This week, Asma Ali, an account manager at Etisalat, Dubai, lists ten things people lie about...

About lying: It is the first thing everyone lies about (that they don't lie). Don't get me wrong, people would prefer not to lie but even Pinocchio had his days.

A gift: From childhood we are taught to say, "Thank you for the gift. I really like it.'' Only the extremely cold-hearted would open a gift box and say how they really feel about the ugly porcelain shoe inside.

Friend's new hairstyle: Even though it's obvious she now resembles Marge Simpson, you can't help but conceal the truth with a smile. I know lying to a friend is wrong, but it's preferable to saying the truth, which may actually ruin, if not end, your friendship.

Work-related issues: This lot of lies are told by those who want to get out of sticky situations. These are what I'd like to call white lies - it's more like bending the truth.

"I didn't do it'': This is probably one of the most common lies. You may think you will get over it by the age of four but realise it becomes more handy as you grow older.

Weight: Somehow people always stick to a close range whether they are slim or overweight. Why say the truth when you can save yourself from those "You'll lose it easily'' or "You need to eat more'' comments?

Salary: Job applicants always lie about how much they're earning during a job interview. Anyway, it makes sense because the higher your imaginary salary, the better the chances of getting something closer to what you think you're worth.

The Bogeyman: Parents always lie about The Bogeyman to get their children to sleep. If The Bogeyman is too old-fashioned, it'll be some other monster coming to get you. You will also find yourself lying about the fact that you actually trouble your child this way - and not regret it a bit.

Brides: They are always beautiful. Aren't they? Of course, they are unless you want to cause a mascara run. You don't have to tell her that the blush is overdone or that the foundation is a shade too pale. Just smile and let her glow; after all, it's her big day.

Shopping spend: A woman will never reveal how much she spent on a handbag which looks like an old flour sack, just as a guy would never reveal how much it really cost him to have all those modifications done to his car.