Hypocrisy, Thy Name is Mer

Posted on | July 28, 2010 | 2 Comments

Hypocrisy: noun – a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; the practice of professing beliefs, feelings or virtues that one does not hold or possess. From the Greek hypokrisis, the act of playing a part on stage.

I really dislike hypocrisy. It makes me crazy. I’m a big believer in honesty and I’ve always believed in and lived by the motto, “what you see is what you get.” Maybe it’s because I believe I’m my own harshest critic, but I’ve always sort of believed that I’m honest about who I am.

Too bad I’m really just a big ol’ hypocrite.

The last couple of weeks, I’ve found myself indulging in the very kinds of behavior I have always professed to dislike. And, obviously, I don’t like that. But admitting you have the problem (or flaw) is the first step, right?

One thing I feel strongly about is the need for second, third, fourth or more chances to make a good impression. I’m convinced that I don’t make a good first impression – I think I’m the kind of person you need to get to know before you can decide if you do (or don’t) like me. If you’ll pardon the metaphor, I’m an acquired taste. So, naturally, it bothers me when people I meet dismiss or underestimate me based on the first impression, whether it’s in person, online or otherwise. I’m so much more than my physical appearance, my Twitter feed, my resume or even this blog. I want people to give me a second chance.

So imagine my dismay to discover that I don’t always practice what I preach. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunities to meet a bunch of new people and I rather unpleasantly discovered myself engaging in the very behavior I so dislike.

I’m not doing it intentionally, at least as far as I know. But sometimes it is far, far too easy to be judgmental and make snap decisions. It’s much harder to stick it out and be willing to be proven wrong. Of course, that doesn’t mean I should take the easy way out – the hard way may indeed be harder, but it’s also much more rewarding as well.

For all the times I thought I had an open mind, it’s incredibly humbling to find out just how judgmental I can really be. I need to remind myself that I can – and should – do better. After all, I can’t expect other people to behave in a certain way if I’m not willing to show them the same courtesy.

[Photo Credit: Getty Images]

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