Sometimes it's just easier to feign it. Like pretending to love the maroon cardie your Aunty Madge gave you for Christmas, or nodding sagely when your date waxes lyrical about Proust. But isn't honesty supposed to be the best policy? Check out these five scenarios for advice on when it's OK to cheat - and when it's not:

WHEN you find his soccer/AFL/NRL/American baseball obsession boring
CHEAT THIS? Yes, a bit

His Dream Team means about as much to you as Durex to a nun. But if your relationship means anything, you're going to have to feign (some) interest in his, er, interests. "You don't have to be equally as passionate and it's OK to be truthful about this, but you don't want to be unsupportive or negative about what inspires him," says WH stress less expert Dr Suzy Green. "It's not bad that you like different things - it keeps the relationship interesting." Help him design his shield and uniform, then nick off to the pub for a merlot with (non-footy-mad) girlfriends.

WHEN applying for a job
CHEAT THIS?Yes & no

Never say anything on your CV you can't back up, says Kate Southam, editor of careerone.com.au, such as extending employment dates or "accidentally" giving yourself a promotion. "On the other hand, hirers don't like mysteries, so use a little creativity to fill any gaps in your career history - but draw on the truth," she says. For example, if you visited your gran in Perth when you were briefly unemployed last year, fill the gap with "Travelling in WA". If you popped one out, Southam suggests something like, "Took a career break to give birth to my son. During this time, I project-managed an extension to our house, completed a first-aid course and maintained the books for my partner's personal training business".

WHEN your best mate breaks up with her partner
CHEAT THIS? Yes

He gave her Chlamydia, spent their home deposit on the gee-gees and left her for a pole dancer named Tiffany. You couldn't hate him more if he were George Dubya Bush. But this is one situation when holding your tongue is probably the best approach, says Dr Green. "Your friend will already be feeling awful and doesn't need you to point his negative qualities out to her - she's well aware of them. Just support her as best as you can, and in time there may be an opportunity to let her know how you truly felt."

WHEN your friend's baby is, well, fugly

An entire Seinfeld episode was dedicated to this very issue; it's a time when adjectives like "cute" and "sweet" come in handy. "Remember, the mother has spent the last nine months producing this baby, so gush and coo and say how adorable the baby is; what wonderful full cheeks he/she has - if applicable," says etiquette consultant Anna Musson. What you say to your partner in the privacy of your kitchen later that night is another thing.

WHEN in dinner party conversation
CHEAT THIS? No

You could pretend to love David Lynch films and claim to have studied Marxist theory - but it'll get you into trouble as the night wears on. If you're asked, confess with, "To be honest, I've never seen a David Lynch film but I'd really like to hear more about him," offers Musson. "Never show your ignorance by stating how stupid it all sounds and suggesting 'Can we get back to talking about hair now?'" she adds.