Ethical Application Is it always unethical to lie to friends? If a friend asks you what you think of her new boyfriend, and you think he is a total loser, should you say that or offer a less critical comment such as “It’s too soon to tell” or “You seem to be enjoying time with him.” If you think your friend’s boyfriend is abusing her, do you have an ethical obligation to tell her you think so? What are the rules that govern when it is appropriate to lie or shade the truth with friends?