Note: Please let me know if this question is off-topic, so it can be closed or deleted. I am afraid that it either focuses too much on Russian culture, or alternatively is asking for a translation.
Background/Context: I often find that, at least when interacting with me as a foreigner, my Russian friends are what I believe to be "too polite" to me. In particular, it is often my impression that they readily say white lies to me because they think that is what I want to hear. Russian culture seems to place a very large importance on "hospitality", and pleasing the guest no matter what seems to fall under the umbrella of the Russian notion of "hospitality".
Regardless of whether or not any of the above is true,
Question: How would could I ask a Russian to "not just say what you think I want to hear" or to "cut the shit" or to "forego white lies"?
The only things I could think of are complicated constructs using unwieldy relative clauses, and which seem like they would most likely be misinterpreted due to me using the wrong word order.
E.g.
- Пожалуйста, не скажи мне просто то, что ты думаешь, что я хочу слышать, а правду.
- Не соври мне дела потому что ты думаешь, что я хочу услышать такие дела.
This link seems to offer some Russian expressions which are similar to the English idiom "white lie", but since they are Russian idioms I don't feel that I know how to use them properly to communicate what I want to say. For example:
- невинная ложь
- ложь во спасение
- мелкая ложь с целью пощадить чьи-либо чувства
- специально солгать кому-либо, чтобы кого-либо не расстраивать
Would it be possible to give some examples of how to use these expressions idiomatically to convey the sort of meaning stated above?
That is just the linguistic issue. There is also the issue of navigating our different cultural perspectives. To me, the lack of authenticity/authenticity prevents us from getting to know each other and therefore weakens our friendship. But to them, it probably seems like they are being very good hosts, and therefore strengthening the friendship.
