This is an interesting experience. The family I come from value honesty and don't do "white lies" or even exaggerate - they are exact in their speech. I grew up outside of this family but I like the value and live by it. Life is so much easier and uncomplicated this way. Even if I tell a white lie I immediately own up to it, I never lie at work. My OH laughs about the whole thing.
So, for some unknown reason I have lied. The lie content itself is not what bothers me. The content is correct but the source I cited is not, I lied about the source of my information. What bothers me is that I did it, to my family of all people, and I believe they know, though of course I can't be certain. They are kind people and would not have not addressed it.
I don't want to have to come clean to feel better. This lie really truly is of no consequence, and although they are honest people they have made mistakes in life, as we all have, they are all highly self critical but absolutely forgiving of family.
So I'm left with feeling guilt over something inconsequential.
Family rules, the culture of a family, is such a powerful thing!