About this quote

Surface charm fades fast, but malice runs deep. People often spend years polishing their public image while ignoring a rotten attitude. You cannot fix a bad character with a makeover or a polite smile. Look past the attractive packaging when you choose your friends or partners. What kind of person are they when nobody is watching?

When to use it

• You are interviewing a highly polished job candidate who speaks beautifully but treats the office receptionist like trash. You tell your hiring partner that the candidate's bad attitude is a permanent dealbreaker.
• Your friend is infatuated with a handsome guy who constantly insults his own family. You warn your friend that good looks cannot mask a cruel heart.
• A popular coworker who always hosts lavish parties starts spreading nasty rumors about everyone. You decide to distance yourself from her because her vanity hides a bitter personality.
• You are pitched a slick business proposal by a developer with a history of shady lawsuits. You walk away because a flashy presentation cannot hide dishonest ethics.