We are often taught that lying is wrong. But everyday life is full of small, seemingly harmless lies: telling a friend their haircut looks great when you are not convinced, saying you loved a gift you would never have chosen yourself, or reassuring someone that everything will be okay when you know they are having a difficult day. These are often called white lies, and psychology suggests that the reason behind the lie matters. A lie told to manipulate, gain an advantage or avoid responsibility is very different from one told because you are trying to spare someone unnecessary hurt. In fact, some research has linked this kind of prosocial lying with compassion and concern for other people. But there is an important catch: science does not show that everyone who tells white lies is automatically more empathetic.