Have you ever encountered folks who talk but don’t walk the walk? Those guys who put on a show of being the best while doing just the opposite? Well, they’re called high-level hypocrites, and they’re good at playing mind games.

Knowing how to spot these people is about something other than throwing shade. It’s more about keeping yourself safe from their tricky ways. But how do you recognize them?

To help you out, we’ve got a list of 11 tell-tale signs that you’re dealing with a high-level hypocrite.

So, get comfy, and let’s dive into this.

1) They’re big on promises but short on action

Do you know those folks who are always making big promises? They’ll tell you they will do this and that, but when it comes down to it, they seem to need to follow through. That’s a classic sign of a high-level hypocrite.

These individuals use promises to win your trust and admiration. But their actions often reveal their true colors.

So, step back and observe the next time you hear a grand promise. You might be dealing with a top-notch hypocrite if the actions don’t match the words.

2) They play the blame game

Have you ever met someone who never takes responsibility for their mistakes? Instead, they always find someone else to blame.

They’ll do anything to avoid looking bad, even throwing others under the bus.

Be cautious when you notice someone constantly blaming others and never owning up to their mistakes. They are a severe hypocrite.

3) They’re quick to judge

High-level hypocrites are often the first to judge others, yet they hate being considered themselves. They criticize people for the very things they do. Does this sound familiar?

Here’s a personal example: I once had a friend who constantly criticized others for being late. She’d go on and on about how disrespectful it was to waste people’s time. But guess what? She was always the last to attend any event or gathering.

These hypocrites use judgment as a defense mechanism to deflect attention away from their flaws. So, be wary if you notice someone who’s always quick to judge but can’t take criticism.

4) They have two sets of rules

Did you know that high-level hypocrites often live by two sets of rules? One for themselves and another one for everyone else.

They expect everyone to follow the rules of the letter, but they believe they’re exempt regarding their behavior. Whether breaking company policies or skipping queues, these individuals think they’re above the rules that apply to the rest of us.

Watch out. You might be haggling with a high-level hypocrite who always insists on rules but never follows them.

5) They lack empathy

One of the most heartbreaking signs of a high-level hypocrite is their lack of empathy. They struggle to step into another person’s shoes and understand their feelings or perspectives.

You might see them making fun of someone going through a hard time or disregarding the feelings of others with a casual shrug. This is hurtful and shows a significant lack of compassion.

High-level hypocrites tend to prioritize their own needs and feelings above those of others.

6) They’re masters of manipulation

Manipulation is a high-level hypocrite’s best friend. They know what to say and do to get people to act in their favor.

I had a colleague who was a master manipulator. He’d always twist facts and situations in his favor, often leaving others to bear the brunt of his actions. It was not only frustrating but also profoundly unsettling.

Individuals use manipulation as a tool to maintain their self-image and control others.

Thus, be careful if you come across someone who consistently twists words and situations to their benefit.

7) They’re all talk and no show

Let’s get real here. High-level hypocrites are great at talking a big game, but when it comes to actually doing something, they’re nowhere to be found.

They’ll tell you how they will change the world, start a new business, or help you with that big project. But they disappear when it’s time to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

8) They’re experts at playing the victim

High-level hypocrites are experts at playing the victim card. They know how to twist situations to make themselves appear as the innocent party, even when they’re in the wrong.

They portray themselves as victims to gain sympathy and manipulate others.

You notice someone constantly playing the victim, especially when they’re at fault; they are high-level hypocrites.

9) They’re overly critical

High-level hypocrites have a knack for finding faults in others while conveniently ignoring their own. They’re quick to point out your mistakes and shortcomings, but heaven forbid you call them out on theirs.

I once knew a person who constantly nitpicked at everything I did. They’d blow it out of proportion if I made a small mistake, but if they made a similar mistake, they’d brush it off as if it were nothing.

10) They’re inconsistent with their values

Let’s cut to the chase. High-level hypocrites are often inconsistent with their values. They’ll preach about honesty, for example, but won’t hesitate to lie when it suits them.

They might talk about the importance of kindness and then turn around and treat someone poorly. They say one thing but do another, proving that their proclaimed values are nothing more than a façade.

If you see someone constantly contradicting their values, don’t ignore it. You could be dealing with a high-level hypocrite.

11) They lack genuine remorse

Finally, and most tellingly, high-level hypocrites rarely show genuine remorse for their wrongdoings. They might offer a half-hearted apology if backed into a corner, but they seldom mean it.

Instead, they see their actions as justified or even necessary. They fail to understand the harm they’ve caused because, in their mind, they can do no wrong. In other words, they think they’re too good to make mistakes.