About this quote

People often present a polished face while keeping a different set of motives under the surface, and that split wears on everyone around them. The line uses sharp humor to point out how performance can replace honesty. Ask yourself which face you put on at work, with friends, or online—do you want to be remembered for charm or for character? If you want clearer relationships and less awkwardness, choose straightforwardness over show.

When to use it

• Office politics: When a coworker flatters the boss and then undercuts the team, you mutter to a friend, 'If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.'
• Dating: After someone is sweet in public but rude alone, you text your roommate, 'I liked them until they pulled the two-faced thing—if you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.'
• Family dinner: When an aunt gives you a backhanded compliment then criticizes you later, you whisper to your cousin, 'There she goes again — if you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.'
• Social posts: You share a split-photo meme mocking a politician's flip-flop and caption it with the line to call out the hypocrisy.