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Let’s face it. There are dishonest people in our worlds.

And dishonest people suck.

Common traits include manipulative behaviors, they’re poised as forever-victims—and when layers are peeled away, intentions are virtually always self-indulgent.

With these folks, what you see is not what you get.

Yuck.

It can be a difficult journey having these characters in your life’s periphery—and worse if within your circle. Whether a family member, co-worker or neighbor too close for comfort, it’s far too easy to expend unnecessary energy, focusing on their antics instead of staying steadfast with our own growth and positivity.

These are the people who create their own storms, then cry when it rains.

How do we cope when dishonest peeps are seemingly unavoidable?

There’s a building theory that might help. Even beautiful-looking homes may be constructed on sand. But one blast of an inevitable rainstorm washes away the foundation. Homes of sand foundations are temporary; their integrity is too weak to withstand strong life challenges.

On the other hand, foundations of steel and concrete? They’re permanent and won’t crumble with life’s tumbles.

Consider the footing beneath your feet. Do you stand upon sand, or a solid foundation?

Think, too, about what type of home you’d want beside your own. Would you want homes of sand crashing upon yours? Of course not. So choose your surroundings wisely. Focus energies on goodness. Share your talents and gracious spirit only with those who happily receive and return the same.

Stay focused on being your best you. Do your best work. Avoid manipulative behaviors and, again, stand on your own feet of steel. And while I do believe those driven by dishonesty need some quiet compassion and prayer, self-preservation comes first. Dance only with those of sturdy foundations–and don’t even tiptoe among the sand-walkers.