Someone recently asked me if I believe in evil in the biblical sense. I told him I was on the line on that one, but from a secular viewpoint I would define an evil person as someone who intentionally inflicts pain on others.

Such people are often hard to identify, because they tend to be cunning. They are usually masters at wearing personality disguises, such as joviality, graciousness, humility, and compassion. Above all, they are master tellers of the Big Lie.

But once you realize that an “evil” person has entered your life, the important thing is to not delude yourself about his character just because you believe there might be a financial benefit to be derived from the relationship. My own experience has convinced me that the cost of staying in a relationship with a morally challenged individual always turns out to be far greater than the cost of getting out.

Caveat emptor.