Deceit

Recall a time that you heard a statement of “fact” that was later found to be untrue. It can be from a parent, a teacher, a friend, a government official, a book, or a film. How did you find out it was untrue and how did it make you feel? Did it change your outlook on anything?

While this is probably not the deepest example, it is what first came to mind and I like to trust my instincts so here goes: I was in fifth grade sleeping over at my friend's house. She happened to be Jewish, and I, at the time, considered myself Christian. We got to talking about Hannukah and Chrismas, the differences between the two holidays, and who got more presents. I mentioned something about Santa Clause, and she got kind of quite. I stupidly questioned her and she said something along the lines of, "Well, my parents said to never to tell any of my friends this, but I've always known that Santa wasn't real. It's all the parents.... But you knew that, right?"
I was devasted. Of course I didn't know. I had never even thought twice about it. I mean come on, presents in exchange for a few cookies and a measly glass of milk, who would question that? I didn't know who to be angry at. Her, for reavealing the truth to me in such a blunt way, or my parents for lying to me for all these years. Thinking back on it it seems kind of stupid, but I was really pissed. I eventually got over it, I would have figured it out at some point, and I came to the realization the most of the kids my age had long since stopped believing in Santa, making me feel all the more stupid. While this is kind of childish, I see examples of this kind of deceit in movies and stories, and even in my own life.