Doc Night Question 1 (telling the truth)

No truth is truth, however you don't have to say every truth you know. Honey, do I look like I have lgained weight? I think you look beautiful.

The correct answer would be : "A little but, you're still one hot smokin' momma" (big grab & kiss). It satisfies the moral & emotional dilemma.

I don't think the "no" is necessary. She knows she's gained weight. She knows he's lying. She isn't really asking "Have I gained weight?" Like you said, she's really asking "Do you still find me attractive?"
My husband would have answered with something like "You look HOT to me!"

I think it's morally wrong to fish for complements knowing someone would have to lie to give you one.

Outside that, I think it's more than a yes/no situation. There is a third option, which is refrain from speaking, or in this case, respond with another question and put the burden back on the one trying to make the husband lie.

relativism is relativism is relativism. And she may look beautiful to her husband, which wouldn't be a lie, more an evasion

Yes, they are still morally wrong, and as I pointed out in my first answer, there is never a situation where you must either lie or hurt someone's feelings. There are always other options. It's just a lot easier to say you had to lie than put the effort into being thoughtful with an answer.

are all lies morally wrong?

No all lies are not morally wrong. If a nazi solider asked someone if they were finding a Jew. It would be morally wrong to lie, and say no.

There is no perfect answer to when a lie is wrong, but if its done to protect yourself or keep yourself from getting into trouble it's almost always wrong. Lies to protect others feelings can be wrong depending on the situation. I don't think it's wrong to lie about how someone looks because so much depends on how this person would handle the truth, and what kind of relationship you have. Weight is very subjective anyway.

It's always morally better to be truthful, but not when it could humiliate another person.
Now, personally, the question "have I gained weight?" Seems like cheap fishing for compliments. I have a scale, which I use every day, I'm perfectly aware if I gain weight or not, I don't have to put my DH in the uncomfortable position of having to find a diplomatic answer. And that goes for everything else. I don't ask people to rate my clothes, house, cooking, etc. I think it's tacky.
But if you find yourself in the position of having to give an opinion and you know it's not what the person wants to hear, I think there's always a way to avoid being truthful without lying.

Sharon