Being honest is the only option IMHO. My friend SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL it is always wise to be tactful and discerning while being honest.
Being truthful in black and white areas is sacrosanct IMHO.

Being gracious in gray areas such as answering Do you like the dessert? and Do I look pretty? Speaking positively in those situations and affirming without being superfluous is advisable.
I remember writing efficiency reports for NCOs and OERs for officers. The language tended to be inflated. I once received a good report by a BG which was the kiss of death :-)

Bottom line "Honesty is the best policy" is best explained by telling the truth. I always prefer a positive explanation :-)

FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi LTC (Join to see) LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Jeff S. CPT Jack Durish MSgt Robert C Aldi SFC Stephen King MSgt Danny Hope SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl Craig Marton SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT (Join to see) Maj Marty Hogan

A liar gets caught up in his/her own lie. SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

Very true, if you tell the truth the first time, you don't have to make up lies to cover up lies.