I think the main difference in lies is who the lie serves. If you lie to save yourself, it's cowardly, but if you lie to save someone else or to create a greater good than the truth would, it's kind of noble.
asfdlj brings up a great point. Tact can make all the difference in the world and may explain some of Tynan's success with his truth telling. He can probably put it in a gentle, clever, heartfelt way that leaves both parties feeling no ill.