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Five Characteristics Of A Fake Person -- What To Watch Out For | Regain
15-18 minutes

Updated July 01, 2021

Medically Reviewed By: Lori Jones, LMHC

The quality of individuals with which you surround yourself will undoubtedly impact your life. As
human beings, we are the average of the five people we most frequently associate with. For better
or worse, those you choose to be around will impact you; they can be positive, genuine, and
uplifting, or they can be negative, fake, and depressing. People do not always show their true
colors during initial interactions. Still, certain signs and characteristics will let you know what
type of individual you're dealing with overtime.

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Being able to spot the characteristics and signs of a fake person will save you a lot of time and
energy. Life is way too short and precious to waste your energy on those who are insincere. You
need to watch out for certain things, but you have to know precisely what those things are.
Knowing the following characteristics of a fake person can certainly come in handy throughout
your life.
Characteristics To Watch Out For In A Fake Person

Fake individuals know that they're disingenuous. For whatever reason, they've also decided that
moving throughout the world in this manner is their best course of action. Eventually, their
behaviors and treatment of others will come back on them, but that's not your cross to bear. Your
only responsibilities in scenarios with fake people are to know what to watch out for and then take
steps to protect yourself accordingly.

Pathological Lying

Many people have been known to tell a fib or a white lie on occasion. However, someone who is
truly fake will engage in pathological lying. In many cases, fake individuals feel compelled to
keep up a facade, which leads them to be dishonest, even when it's pointless. As you can imagine,
pathological liars are not to be trusted; they'll say and do just about anything which they view as
suitable to their interests.

If you're around someone whose stories regularly don't add up, take notice of this. Frequent
inconsistencies don't just materialize out of nowhere. Fake people typically aren't concerned with
transparency or openness, especially if they have something to hide. In the long run, individuals of
this nature tend to present different personas, depending on which settings or situations they're in.
Don't turn your back on someone who lies pathologically.
Gossiping

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Taking note of how someone else talks about others in their life is imperative; it's also a very clear
indicator of how they'll speak of you when you're not around. If someone is willing to gossip with
you, they'll also gossip about you. Fake people tend to behave amicably in someone's presence and
then badmouth them in their absence. Fake people have no problem with this two-faced nature
because they're not genuine. When someone is a real friend, they don't gossip about people behind
their backs. If you know a person who constantly has negative things to say about others who
aren't around, watch out for that. You can bank on getting the same treatment the moment you're
out of earshot.

Arrogance

Fake people tend to view themselves as above others; when you think about it, this explains why
they don't believe honesty or loyalty to others is important. Disingenuous individuals generally
behave in problematic ways while expecting others to swallow and deal with it.

In certain cases, arrogant actions and attitudes may cover up insecurities that a fake person suffers
from. This is very common in narcissistic individuals. Genuine people take the thoughts and
feelings of others into account; fake individuals see no need in doing this if it doesn't present an
immediate benefit that they can see ahead of time.

Irresponsibility

Part of being a genuine, caring person means taking responsibility for one's actions and behaviors.
As such, a fake person sees no reason to do this. If a fake person makes a mistake, they'll point the
finger at someone else or blame external circumstances rather than themselves. Habitual
irresponsibility from fake people manifests because individuals of this nature don't see the need to
own up to their flaws.

Irresponsible, fake people may find ways to flip the tables and blame others for their own
mistakes. Let's say that you agreed to meet a friend at a coffee shop, but they never show up. The
next day, you call them to find out what happened, only for them to get angry with you for
pestering them. This is a prime example of a fake person who is also completely irresponsible for
their behavior. A responsible person with pure intentions would have either called ahead or
explained they wouldn't make the meeting. If that weren't possible, for whatever reason, they
certainly wouldn't get angry with you for seeking an explanation.

Manipulation

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Unfortunately, the true nature of manipulative, fake individuals doesn't always present itself. Fake
individuals have absolutely no qualms about manipulating other people around them. In many
ways, this goes hand-in-hand with pathological lying for the sake of pushing one's agenda. Fake
people manipulate others because they don't mind getting what they want at someone else's
expense. Taking note of how someone interacts and deals with others over extended periods can
reveal they are true to nature. Unfortunately, some of the best manipulators are good at pulling the
wool over people's eyes, but the truth always surfaces in one way or another.

Steering Clear Of Fake People

As you can imagine from the listed characteristics, fake people do not make great friends or
associates they spend time with. Sadly, individuals of this nature can present themselves in various
areas of life. If you can not immediately cut ties with a fake person, making interactions as
minimal as possible is best. This will not only minimize the damage that a fake person can do in
your life, but it also contributes to your mental health and wellness.

Trusting Your Intuition

If you happen to get an odd feeling about someone new or a person in general, it's good to trust
this feeling and act accordingly. Fake people don't often outrightly reveal their true colors.
However, as human beings, we can subconsciously pick up on warning signs and red flags which
haven't made it to our conscious minds yet.

Trusting your gut feelings and instincts will greatly impact your interactions with others. It will
also reduce your likelihood of being negatively affected by someone with their agenda and zero
regard for you as an individual.

Surround Yourself With Genuine People

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Spending your time with genuine and upfront people is one of the best steps you can take.
Remember, you are the average of the five individuals that you most frequently associate with.
You should brush the people in your inner circle and know that they have your best interests at
heart. A great inner circle has been proven to help cut back on stress and get through tough times
in life.

Surrounding yourself with genuine people comes with the added benefit of sniffing out someone
who is potentially fake. Sometimes, your loved ones may be able to pick up something you may
miss about a person. This doesn't mean that you should automatically judge someone based on
what others think; although people and trust warn you about someone, proceeding with caution
isn't a bad idea.
The Merits Of Professional Feedback

If you believe that someone you know or trust is, in fact, a fake person, this can be a bitter pill to
swallow. If you have your suspicions yet aren't particularly sure about whether to pass judgment,
this can be confusing and leave you uncertain of what your next move should be.

In this type of situation, seeking out the services of a professional counselor or therapist is a good
idea. Mental health professionals can not only provide personalized guidance, but they also
specialize in working with and studying people. This means that the therapist can listen to your
descriptions of individuals in your life and provide credible feedback.

Therapy has changed countless lives and is available to you, whether you're dealing with a fake
person or working to overcome a totally different matter in your life. If you're ready to take the
next step and rise above obstacles in your life, then you'll want to sign up for online therapy with
ReGain.

Online therapy ensures your ability to get personalized guidance without having to uproot your
schedule or make it to an office every week. No matter who you are, where you are, or what you
may be up against, ReGain online therapists will work with you. We want you to know that while
life may throw challenges your way, there's nothing that you can't conquer. With the proper
support, dedication, and determination, you can turn tough times into opportunities to learn, grow,
and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you tell if someone is pretending to like you?

The characteristics of a fake person are not always evident right away. In most cases, the best way
to tell if someone is genuine is to pay attention to how and when they speak to you.

Habits of genuine people can include sustaining eye contact, asking questions about your life, and
reaching out even when it doesn’t benefit them. People fake being friends frequently, sometimes
for the sake of a significant other, for workplace purposes, or the sake of a larger friend group. If
you are getting the sense that someone is pretending to like you, try not to let it get to you.

You will likely deal with fake people at some point in your life, but as long as they are not toxic or
manipulative, try to worry about being the most authentic version of yourself rather than worrying
about how fake they might be acting.

What are the signs of fake friends?

If one of your friends is frequently talking about other people in your friend group negatively, you
might start getting concerned that they are speaking about you like that behind your back as well.
Gossip can be one way to seek attention or try to deflect from personal problems.
The characteristics of a fake person can include this sort of toxic gossip. Fake people don’t take
the same sort of genuine care for another friend’s wellbeing. If fake people fake their interest in
an obvious way, you might begin to notice the characteristics of a fake person.

What makes a person phony?

It is not always easy to tell the difference between authentic people and phony people. When you
deal with fake people, they might be quite skilled at appearing genuine.

What makes a person phony isn’t always something you can see with your eyes. For example,
fake people are toxic, and this may be apparent in the way they speak to others or if their words do
not match their actions. People fake seemingly honest intentions, and that’s when the toxicity of
being phony can be the most problematic. A phony person may be harmless to you personally, but
eventually, they could let you down if you rely on them.

What is a genuine person?

A genuine person is truthful with their words, actions, and intentions. Genuine people understand
the importance of interpersonal connection. They take care of their relationships, dating
relationships, friendships, and family in a way that will not always benefit them. When you deal
with fake people, you won’t often feel seen or heard when speaking to a genuine person.

How can you tell if someone is insincere?

Fake people fake sincerity sometimes. For example, if they are desperate for attention, an
insincere person might compliment you just for the sake of receiving one in return. In many cases,
an insincere person will make promises that they do not follow up on. These people speak a “big
game” but do not actually act on their words. Fake people into thinking they have your best
interest at heart. Therefore, fake people out of a genuine connection.

How do you tell if someone is using you in a friendship?

Understand the importance of this particular friendship by asking yourself: are you carrying more
of the weight? Are you there for your friend more often than they are there for you? Is that person
only contacting you when they need something?

Sometimes, people fake friendships to get things they want. Like in a friendship, the same can be
true for dating relationships. The characteristics of a fake person may shine through when you take
a moment to evaluate the give and take in the balance of your relationship.

What is an unhealthy friendship?

As seen in unhealthy dating relationships, unhealthy friendships can cause mental instability,
eating disorders, a lack of trust in your own intuition. Purposeful manipulation and toxicity from a
friend would be the more dramatic example of an unhealthy friendship. Sometimes, just like in
dating relationships, an unhealthy friendship can be seen in the small ways the person speaks to
you, treats you, or doesn’t show up for you. A friend who makes you feel worse after seeing
them than you did before could be an unhealthy friend.

In an unhealthy friendship, you will likely need to let the other person forge their own path
without you involved. You may need to recognize that letting go of an unhealthy friendship is the
best way to ensure your own well-being.

How do you tell if someone is jealous of you?

In some cases, people fake excitement when they are actually jealous of you. Likewise, in some
cases, people fake being underwhelmed when they are jealous of you. It’s difficult to pinpoint
exactly how a jealous friend would react to your success, but when it comes to jealousy, let that
person worry about finding their own success and happiness. Focusing on yourself and refusing to
let jealous people affect your happiness will likely be your best move.

Why would someone pretend not to know you?

There could be a million reasons why a person would pretend not to know you. You might never
really know why that occurs. If they are embarrassed for some reason to be seen as knowing you,
it is probably their own problem and nothing you could change, so try not to worry about it.

What’s equally confusing is when a person pretends not to know you on social media. Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram are all common platforms in which friends share their lives, and you know
that there are no terms of use privacy keeping an acquaintance from friending you on social
media. On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, a person does not need a privacy policy contact to
get in touch with you. So if a person pretends not to know you over social media, it could be just
as true that they would pretend not to know you in real life. Try not to dwell on the reason why, if
you can help it.

How do you know a girl is pretending to love you?

Any dating relationship in which you have to wonder if a girl is pretending to love you is likely
not a relationship built on honesty and trust. In this circumstance, the characteristics of a fake
person might be harder to see because of those rose-colored glasses. If you’re feeling insecure
about your relationship, suggest new ideas for dates, initiate deeper talks, and maybe even suggest
couples counseling with the assistance of a licensed professional.

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