Most important to me is complete honesty with myself. The less honest I am with myself, the honesty factor degrades the further I get away from myself.
I think that's the core. Each time you are not honest with someone in your life, you are dishonest with yourself. I guess it depends on how much you want to sleep - dishonesty will keep you up at night.
I think you also reflect what others give you. Why be 100% honest with someone who's not honest with you? Is omission lying? Yes. Is it lying when you soften your answer, maybe don't give all the information? If it's critical information that will hurt that person, yes. If it's not a close enough relationship to expose that much personal information, then no.
I don't feel you have to lay your life out to everyone you meet. I believe in discretion. To me that's not lying, it's how much of the truth you are willing to share. But again, if withholding is harmful, not a good deal.
