Yes, when the honest answer may cause unnecessary pain and suffering. I believe that using a little white lie (which I prefer to call "Fibology") is often the kindest thing you can do.

I remember very well the first time my sweet mother looked right at me and asked, "Where’s Jackie?"– because my heart broke in two. I tried to convince her that I was right there, it was me, but she looked so confused and said in a panic, "No, no, your little sister–where is she? Please, help me–I have to...