Recently, someone I care about was lied to repeatedly and he is very upset. He was given the explanation that the lies were told so he wouldn't be hurt.

I've certainly been lied to plenty in my relationship of 41 years. This incident is reopening some of my own wounds and that's why I'm posting the following question.

I often wonder if people just lie to protect themselves, rather than tell lies to protect the one they are lying to. What is your opinion?