Hypocrite Mom

http://artruch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dr-house.jpg


My Mom always said her least favorite thing in the world was a hypocrite. I've generally tried not to be one.

I am also trying to instill the same value in my kids. Just yesterday I pointed out how C did something on Friday that she complained another friend did earlier in the week that hurt C's feelings. "But..." the explanation started. So I explained to her what a hypocrite is.

This is Merriam-Webster's definition.
Main Entry: hyp·o·crite
Pronunciation: \ˈhi-pə-ˌkrit\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ypocrite, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin hypocrita, from Greek hypokritēs actor, hypocrite, from hypokrinesthai
Date: 13th century
1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings
— hypocrite adjective

The problem is sometimes everyone is a hypocrite! I'm no exception.

On the same day my daughter was being a classic example of definition number two, I was being number one (and after my lecture, number 2 as well). I seem to be the perfect wife this week. To my friends I may seem virtuous. In reality I'm doing a horrible job. The house looks like a bomb hit it. I nag the kids not to be lazy and to keep their rooms neat, but look at me glued to the laptop!

Then again I remember my Mom, and I can think of a number of things she did in her life that were classic definitions.  

House contends that everyone lies. I think everyone is a hypocrite sometimes. Not that lying and hypocrisy are OK... just common. What is the penance for being a hypocrite?  I guess cleaning my house, not yelling at or lecturing the kids, and not complaining that I have errands to do is a reasonably place to start.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why I'm voting for Christine Chen for NJ Senate tomorrow

Image
For months I've been avoiding politics. I consider myself a well-informed person, but over the past year I have lacked inspiration to engage in politics. After years of following local events eagerly, attending school board meetings and spending time involved in the community, I'm feeling rather apathetic this year. Enter a scientist and Bridgewater mom running for statewide office But something changed last weekend when Christine Chen  knocked on my door. If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting her, check out her video. It is her in a nutshell.  Why vote for Christine Chen? I can write all the reasons I'm going to vote for her - she's a scientist - and Bridgewater Mom - who is running for statewide office. She's got kids in our school district, so she gets it. Accessible, intelligent, informed. She pays taxes here and can do the same ROI calculations (mental) that I do! And, she is a Jersey native trying to raise kids in the community where I'
Read more

Mama L's Tootsie Hangover

Image
Good Morning, Beloved Friends (and the 2 family members who read my stuff), It's a glorious Sunday morning here in New Jersey, and I'm thrilled to report that my feet are throbbing. In fact, I had to break my morning running date with PB at Duke Farms because my tootsies need time for the swelling to come down before I lace my running shoes. Don't worry - I won't waste this beautiful day. I've got a non-negotiable appointment with my Sauconies to run a slow 5 miles.  Despite Diego's insisting I get out of bed (earlier than I wanted) to let him out, I'm feeling so invigorated. I've had lots of jobs through the years, and met colleagues that have made their way into my heart and life. But few were like the content team at LN. We just clicked - and maybe cliqued - if wordnerds like us can be a clique. I don't think I'll ever experience a work environment where I'll laugh more than I did with these brilliant folks.  Heels and a Glitt
Read more

Fool Me Once...

Image
Hello My Friends... I've Missed You! What's on My Needles this Spring  Although I've drafted a few blogs over the past 8 months, I haven't published anything lately - nor had I realized how long it had been since you'd heard from me. Life sometimes gets in the way of our creative pursuits, no matter how much we love them. Writing has always been my joy and my catharsis. As I write I create a place where I experience life and reflect upon how the world impacts me - and vice versa. So, of course I've missed blogging. (Full disclosure - I wrote this on Thursday and now, on Sunday morning I'm editing it hurriedly before meeting a friend for a run...) This sunny morning I drove down Country Club on my way to my new job (yes, I have one, but that's not today's topic) and I got inspired... As MR puts it when we get into an intense discussion, "I felt a blog coming on." So I called her for feedback... and I promised to write two blogs. Here
Read more