Being around a blatant hypocrite can be agonizing. They go from one point to a counteracting point faster than you can even realize, and their contradictions leave you confused and frustrated. It can be difficult at times to realize a person is being hypocritical, so here are a few helpful hints to help you identify a hypocrite and how to expose them:
Know the traits of a hypocrite
Trying to pinpoint someone’s hypocrisy can be tricky. You won’t always catch them red-handed with overt hypocrisy, but there are many traits of a consistent hypocrite that will help you figure them out, according to Psychology Today. Some mannerisms of a hypocrite include being overly-accusatory, easily offended, and narcissistic. If any of those traits match someone you know, you may have a hypocrite on your hands.
Figure out what they are being hypocritical about
Are they debating one point and then immediately contradicting it? Or maybe they’re advocating for one thing and they end up doing something completely against what they’re standing for. Either way, they are being hypocritical. The degree of hypocrisy is very important to the situation, since there is a very fine line between tolerable hypocrisy and inexcusable. If what they are doing is inexcusable, you should consider confronting them.
Are they constantly hypocritical?
Although many hypocrites are constant, we all have our hypocritical moments at times. Who else has been caught throwing something recyclable in the trash after taking about being environmentally friendly? If this is their first time being caught in a hypocritical situation, give them a break, we’ve all been there. However, if they are constantly hypocritical with their viewpoints, it might be time to speak up.
Confront them privately
If this person is always overly hypocritical, it is probably best for them to be confronted about their behavior. Don’t call them out in front of all your friends, family, or coworkers, it will only make tensions high and the situation worse. Tell them in a private manner that you noticed they are repetitively contradicting themselves. Some hypocrites don’t even realize what they are doing, and will try to kick the habit right away. Others will get offended, so don’t be surprised if they become aggravated.
