Being honest isn't appreciated by most people across the globe, and it's quite dishearting seeing that as a new normal around, because what we grew up with what the need to be honest and stay true to the truth.
However just like you, I've been in such situation where delving into lie that are comfortable seems like the way out to keeping friends and maintaining harmony.
Welcome to the hive Blockchain @shatteredsilence .
As long as it doesn't hurt them, why not, right?