But that doesn't make it right. In reality, there are few totally harmless lies. Telling lies is like drunk driving. If we're lucky, no one gets hurt and we won't get caught. But even if no one's injured, drunk driving is wrong because it recklessly endangers human life.
Most lies are wrong because they recklessly endanger human relationships.
There are both moral and practical reasons to avoid self-serving little lies. Our ethical duty to be worthy of trust does not bend to our needs, our convenience or our desire to avoid unpleasant consequences. That's why any discovered dishonesty undermines personal credibility and the ability to create and maintain trusting relationships. People who've been lied to will protect themselves by not believing the liar again. And as distrust flourishes, suspicion and cynicism ignore claims and promises so every interaction becomes a mini-trial, demanding proof and verification.