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8 Signs of Fake People: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Energy
Faraz Ali
October 13th, 2024
In life, we all come across people who seem great on the surface but later reveal their true colors, self-centered, inconsistent, and insincere. It’s not always easy to recognize fake people, as they often wear masks and charm their way through situations. But over time, you’ll start to see patterns, and the truth becomes hard to ignore. I’ve learned through my own experiences that these individuals drain your energy and leave you feeling disappointed. To help you navigate these tricky encounters, here are 8 unmistakable signs of fake people that I’ve discovered along the way.
1. They’re Only Nice When Things Are Good, but Disappear When You Need Help
Have you ever had a friend who is always around when things are going well, but the moment you need support, they vanish? Fake people are quick to show up for the fun, the laughs, and the good times, but when life gets tough, they’re nowhere to be found. I once thought someone like this was a true friend, only to realize they were in it for the good times, not for me. A real friend is there through thick and thin, not just when it's convenient.
2. They Gossip and Spread Rumors
One thing I’ve learned is that if someone gossips to you, they’ll likely gossip about you. Fake people love drama, they thrive on creating chaos by spreading rumors and talking behind others’ backs. I’ve been burned by this more times than I’d like to admit. Trust is essential, and once it’s broken by someone’s constant gossiping, it’s hard to ever rebuild.
3. They Don’t Follow Through on Their Words
“I’ll be there for you,” or “Let’s catch up soon!” We’ve all heard these promises from people who never actually follow through. Fake people say all the right things, but when the time comes, they’re nowhere to be seen. They leave you feeling unimportant and let down. Real friends back up their words with actions, and you can always count on them, no matter what.
4. They Lie or Hide the Truth
Have you ever felt that someone close to you wasn’t being entirely honest? Whether they twist the truth or hide key details, fake people are often dishonest to protect their own image. I once trusted someone deeply, only to find out they had been lying to me for months. It was a painful wake-up call, but I learned that honesty is the foundation of any relationship, and without it, everything crumbles.
5. They Change Their Behavior to Fit in with Different Crowds
One of the clearest signs of fake people is how they shift their personality depending on who they’re with. They might act one way with you but completely change when they're in a different social circle. It’s as if they have multiple faces, all designed to please different people. Genuine individuals stay true to themselves, no matter who they’re around. If someone is constantly changing to fit in, they’re not being real with you, or with anyone else.
6. They Copy Others to Seem Cool or Popular
I’ve noticed that fake people often imitate others to fit in or appear more appealing. Whether it’s copying someone’s style, interests, or even their way of speaking, this lack of originality shows that they’re not comfortable in their own skin. I’ve seen it happen countless times, people who are more focused on appearing “cool” than on being authentic. True confidence comes from being yourself, not from trying to be someone else.
7. They Focus on Surface-Level Things and Avoid Deep Connections
Fake people tend to stay at the surface, they’re more interested in appearances and small talk than in forming real, meaningful relationships. I’ve known people who could spend hours chatting about trends, gossip, or social media but had no interest in getting to know me on a deeper level. Real connections require vulnerability, empathy, and trust, things fake people often avoid.
8. They Prioritize Their Own Needs and Don’t Care About Your Feelings
Perhaps the most painful sign of all is when you realize that someone simply doesn’t care about your feelings. Fake people are self-centered and only care about their own needs and desires. I’ve had friendships where I constantly gave my time and energy, only to realize that it was never reciprocated. If someone makes you feel like your emotions don’t matter, it’s time to reevaluate the relationship. Genuine friends care about you, your feelings, your happiness, and your well-being.
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