Liars vs. Bullshitters: Understanding the Two Faces of Dishonesty

In both life and business, encountering dishonest people is, unfortunately, inevitable. Recognizing the type of dishonesty you're dealing with can save you countless headaches and confusion. Among the most common types of deceitful individuals are liars and bullshitters. While both are toxic in their own ways, understanding their key differences is critical for navigating the murky waters of mistrust.

The Liar: A Carefully Crafted Deception

Liars are architects of untruth. They construct their falsehoods with the intention of being believed, weaving plausibility into their stories. To a liar, the goal is respect—however misguided—through convincing you that their narrative is genuine.

A liar’s deception often comes with meticulous preparation. They might research details, rehearse their stories, and anticipate questions. Their lies are built like bridges: fragile yet designed to hold just enough weight to carry you across to their version of reality.

Liars rely on the trust of others to operate. They want you to believe in their credibility, and they thrive on the control that belief gives them. This makes their dishonesty somewhat predictable; their lies are often tailored to what you want to hear, making it easier to spot inconsistencies if you’re paying attention.

The Bullshitter: Indifferent to Truth

Bullshitters, on the other hand, are an entirely different breed. Where liars care deeply about crafting a plausible narrative, bullshitters couldn’t care less. Their dishonesty isn’t rooted in trying to earn your respect or belief—it’s rooted in indifference.

Bullshitters say whatever serves their immediate purpose, regardless of whether it’s remotely true. Their words are often chaotic, inconsistent, and riddled with contradictions. Unlike liars, who at least acknowledge the existence of truth in their attempts to skirt it, bullshitters disregard the truth entirely.

For a bullshitter, respect is irrelevant. They aren’t trying to persuade you to trust them; they’re simply filling the air with words that suit their agenda in the moment. This makes them both harder to pin down and more dangerous to work with, as they can change their narrative on a whim without regard for the consequences.

Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Neither liars nor bullshitters are good to work with, but knowing the difference can help you protect yourself from unnecessary drama and frustration.

• When dealing with a liar, focus on identifying inconsistencies. Their need to be believed means they’ll often over-explain or try to overcompensate when questioned. Push gently on the seams of their story, and you’ll often find them unraveling.
• When dealing with a bullshitter, don’t engage. Trying to make sense of their statements is a futile exercise, as there’s no underlying logic or consistency to grasp. Recognize their indifference to truth, and avoid letting them waste your time or energy.

In any case, it’s best to avoid both types of individuals whenever possible. Their dishonesty, whether calculated or careless, will erode trust and create toxic dynamics in personal or professional relationships.

Understanding these distinctions can empower you to spot red flags early, saving you from the headaches and second-guessing that come with wondering, What just happened? By knowing what you’re up against, you can take the necessary steps to protect your integrity—and your sanity.