Experiments with Truth

Hey..
I was just wondering about this thing we are taught as kids.... "Always Speak The Truth"...... All of us know phrases like "Liar Liar... Pants on Fire...." Teachings, Stories with the same pearls of wisdom. Sometimes I wonder,  if we have to read some one else's words of wisdom to become enlightened, Who the hell enlightened those people who wrote and taught all this.....
Anyways.... back to the point of experimenting with truth.... I have myself done some experiments with truth. I have also heard the same phrases and Wisdomilicious teachings about the power of truth. This power is really a force to reckon with Eh!!!!!  But then I personally choose to differ... I realised in due course of life that it is not a question of telling the truth or lie but a question about the Real Motive or the "Real Agenda" behind what people say. I can give you so many examples but do let me quote some words of wisdom from the same oooooooolllldddddddd  stories which are aft quoted to us. This one is from the Panchtantra:
                     Speak with pleasure,
                     Speak with measure,
                     Speak with grammar's treasure,
                     not too much and with reflection;
                     deeds will follow words' direction.
Try telling the truth to your gf/wifey when asked " Does this dress make me look fat?"...... Believe me guys..... even if the truth is yes it does make u look fat like a cow and you blurt it out..... you will definitely be rewarded for your honesty and truthful nature ...... Or try telling your friend that his/her new haircut makes him/her look like an alien who has just come out of the movie Mars attacks and in a very short span of time, the only and only friend you will be left with would be your honesty and truthfulness as no human form will dare to venture near you..... probably someday even your dog will desert you and go to your neighbour......

I am not implying that one should say what people love listening to.. We all should exercise the freedom to speak our mind but then it should not go on to the extent of hurting people. Some really beautiful terms coined for these wonderfuly truthful people are snitch, sneak, stoolie and these are just the milder ones....... So for the love of god..... don't be a snitch...... Life isn't about seeing things in black and white. We as people are grey in nature. We all have a mean streak and also a good side. Then why should our words be in black and white?? Is it better to speak a harsh truth or is it better to tell something which is not exactly true??
For me, it is all about the intention behind what we say that matters. Instead of classifying what we say in black and white as a truth or a lie, let us accept that we may speak things which may not be entirely true but if the intention is not to hurt someone, it is OK...
What is your opinion on this????

//Hitesh