Yes, exactly. The applies to all types of human relationships.
In thinking about it further, I would say that it is not just the lying that ruins relationships, but the lame-sounding excuses that are offered by the offending party.
Whether a spouse catches someone red-handed with a bunch of phone IM messages, or a salesperson misses appointments, the excuses offered almost always will sound hollow or, even worse truly false, thus digging their hole even deeper and undermining the foundation of trust even further.
I agree with the excuses part. I will also add that due to that aspect, I will take ownership of my errors that cause others pain and wholeheartedly apologize. Keep in mind that I wouldn’t purposely cause anyone pain, but I do so in error. You’re right, making excuses would only add to the pain I would already cause.