Ok, first off… it’s really difficult for AI to create a decent featured picture for this, so I finally just settled on the one I have. If I had the time (or motivation… ha), I’d draw something up real quick and post it, but… meh. I’m already unbearably late in posting this (we finally got internet this morning, yay!). I may or may not have spent most of my day playing Valheim… oops.

And thus… AWAY WE GO!

hy·poc·ri·sy

noun

1. the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; pretense.

Here’s why hypocrisy is considered wrong:

• Inconsistency and Deception: Hypocrisy involves a mismatch between what someone says and what they do, creating an impression of virtue that they don’t truly possess. This can deceive others into believing they are trustworthy when they are not. 
• Erodes Trust: When people see hypocrisy, it can damage their trust in the person, the institution, or the values being espoused. This can lead to cynicism and a general lack of faith in others. 
• Damage to Reputation: Hypocrisy can negatively impact a person’s reputation, as it suggests a lack of integrity and authenticity. 
• Potential for Manipulation: Hypocrisy can be used to gain an advantage or manipulate others. By pretending to uphold a certain standard, a person can gain influence or control. 
• Moral Damage: For some, engaging in hypocrisy can lead to a sense of guilt or shame, as it contradicts their own moral values. 
• Lack of Standing to Blame Others: Hypocrites are often seen as lacking the moral authority to criticize or judge others for the same behavior that they engage in themselves. 

The Boyfriend and I had a discussion about this a little while back. I’ll admit… I don’t really understand his stance – which, I think, is that hypocrisy isn’t a big deal?! I’ve slept since then, too. All I remember is feeling like he was a bit crazy (and wrong) for the way he viewed it. To each their own, I suppose, but when it comes to moral boundaries… I get a little miffed if they’re… backward? Can’t think of a better word, my apologies.

Anyhoo… Google AI provided – what I consider – an accurate depiction of what hypocrisy is and why it’s literal shit. 😅

So, for me personally? I’ve encountered enough hypocrisy in my life that I abhor it.

Very Few Examples:

• The Plague: constantly demanded “respect” – all while never giving it in return, instead ruling by authority and fear. 🤬
• Gravity: omfg, don’t get me started on that walking hypocrite (The Son’s father). Narcissist. ‘Nuff said. (and 24 years of it, no less) 🤢🤮
• My Mom: treating me one way and The Brother another way. I claim he’s The Golden Child, but he says the same about me. Smells fishy. 😝
• Religion: fraught with it, unfortunately. Anyone that claims religion and doesn’t truly treat ALL people with love, compassion, and respect… 🤷‍♀️
• Politicians: yeah, yeah… I generally avoid politics altogether because it ALL sucks. I can’t believe anyone “up there” really gives a shit about those of us they claim they care about. It’s all about power and greed. 🙄
• Liars: Everyone. Lies. I’m no exception to this. I have lied in my life (though I DO try to avoid it as much as possible). Anyone that claims they “hate” lying… and yet lies (especially to someone they claim to love)… 😑

I think currently, the worst hypocrisy for me is lying. I can’t stand it when someone lies to me. I believe that I am more than capable of facing harsh truths. And yeah, I might be a little bit of a hypocrite for saying it, but… I really do believe that the painful truth far outweighs the extra damage a lie can do when it’s found out later on. I spent many, many years under the tutelage of a very respected, trusted friend whom – when we first started talking – I had asked to give me the brutal and honest truth when I went to them for advice. And boy did they. Sometimes it sucked whale anus, no lie (heh). Sometimes I fought tooth-and-nail and resisted… but eventually, I would come around and correct/improve whatever words/behavior were deemed unfit. It has served me well. And? I do the same thing for the people I love and care about BECAUSE I love and care about them.

So, in closing, I really feel that if you’re going to claim to believe a certain way, then you must hold yourself up to that standard, first and foremost. I value and live by honesty, openness, integrity, and authenticity. I have plenty of my own morals and values, and I follow them to the best of my ability (and again, I am not perfect), or failing that… I learn from my mistakes (which we all make) and grow. I do my best to live up to whatever standards I hold myself to, especially if I’m going to hold anyone else up to them.