Some people are just a bit too polished, a tad too agreeable.
While it’s great to be friendly, sometimes those overly enthusiastic phrases can feel insincere and leave you wondering if they truly mean what they say. Here are some of the sentences that might reveal a hint of fakeness lurking beneath the surface.
1. “I’m obsessed with…” (Everything).
We all have things we enjoy, but constantly declaring your obsession with everything from the latest fashion trends to the newest coffee flavour can come across as exaggerated and insincere. True passions are usually reserved for a select few things, not everything under the sun.
2. “We should totally hang out sometime!” (But never follows through).
This phrase is often uttered with enthusiasm, but it rarely translates into an actual hangout. It’s a polite way of ending a conversation without committing to anything. If someone repeatedly says this without ever making concrete plans, it might be a sign that they’re not genuinely interested in spending time with you.
3. “I’m so busy, but I’m making time for you.” (While scrolling through their phone).
Source: Unsplash This statement implies that you’re a priority, but their actions tell a different story. If they’re constantly glued to their phone while claiming to be “making time” for you, it’s a clear sign that their attention is divided, and they’re not fully present in the moment.
4. “You look amazing!” (Without even glancing your way).
Source: Unsplash A genuine compliment comes with eye contact and a warm smile. If someone throws out a generic “you look amazing” without actually looking at you, it can feel hollow and insincere. It’s as if they’re just going through the motions of being polite, rather than truly appreciating your appearance.
5. “I’m your biggest fan!” (But can’t name one thing you’ve done).
Source: Unsplash This over-the-top declaration of admiration can be a bit much, especially if it’s coming from someone who doesn’t actually know much about you or your accomplishments. It’s easy to spot a fake fan when they can’t back up their claims with specific examples or details.
6. “I never gossip.” (But proceeds to tell you the latest rumour).
Source: Unsplash People who claim to never gossip are often the biggest gossipers of all. It’s a classic case of “do as I say, not as I do.” If someone tells you they never gossip, but then proceeds to share juicy tidbits about other people, it’s a clear sign that their words and actions don’t align.
7. “I’m so happy for you!” (But their tone sounds envious).
Source: Unsplash Genuine happiness for someone else’s success is a beautiful thing. However, if someone’s congratulations sound forced or tinged with envy, it can feel insincere and even a bit manipulative. Pay attention to their tone and body language to gauge their true feelings.
8. “We’re like best friends!” (After knowing you for five minutes).
Source: Unsplash Building a strong friendship takes time and effort. If someone declares you their “best friend” after a brief encounter, it can feel rushed and disingenuous. True friendships develop organically and are based on mutual trust, respect, and shared experiences.
9. “I don’t have a mean bone in my body.” (Yet they constantly criticise people.)
Actions speak louder than words. If someone claims to be kind and compassionate, but their behaviour contradicts their words, it’s a sign that they’re not being genuine. A truly kind person wouldn’t put people down or spread negativity.
10. “I’m not like other people.” (While trying to fit in with a certain group).
This statement is often used to create a sense of exclusivity and superiority. It’s a way of saying, “I’m better than the average person.” However, if someone claims to be different but still conforms to social norms and trends, it can seem contradictory and inauthentic.
11. “I’m just being honest.” (But their honesty is always hurtful).
Honesty is important, but it should always be delivered with tact and empathy. If someone uses “honesty” as an excuse to say hurtful things without considering the impact of their words, it’s a sign that they’re prioritising their own ego over other people’s feelings.
12. “I’m not trying to brag, but…” (Followed by a long list of their accomplishments).
This disclaimer is a classic humblebrag – a way of boasting about achievements while pretending to be modest. It’s a transparent attempt to fish for compliments and validation, and it can come across as insecure and attention-seeking.
13. “I’m so random.” (While reciting rehearsed jokes or stories).
True spontaneity is charming, but forced quirkiness can be off-putting. If someone tries too hard to be “random” by reciting memorised jokes or stories, it can feel contrived and inauthentic. Authenticity comes from embracing your true self, not trying to be someone you’re not.
14. “I’m not materialistic at all.” (But they constantly talk about their designer clothes and luxury vacations).
Source: Unsplash Actions speak louder than words. If someone claims to be non-materialistic, but their conversations revolve around expensive possessions and lavish experiences, it’s a clear sign that they’re not being truthful. True non-materialistic people focus on experiences, relationships, and personal growth, not on accumulating things.
15. “I’m so spiritual.” (Yet they judge people for their beliefs).
True spirituality is about compassion, acceptance, and open-mindedness. If someone claims to be spiritual, but they judge people for their beliefs or lack thereof, it’s a sign that they’re not truly embracing the principles of spirituality. A genuinely spiritual person would respect the diversity of beliefs and focus on their own inner journey.
16. “I’m always there for my friends.” (But they never seem to have time for you).
A true friend shows up when you need them, not just when it’s convenient for them. If someone claims to be a loyal friend but consistently makes excuses for not being there for you, it’s a sign that their words don’t match their actions. Real friends prioritise their relationships and make an effort to be present for each other, even when life gets busy.
17. “I don’t care what people think of me.” (Yet they constantly chase validation on social media).
It’s healthy to not be overly concerned with other people’s opinions, but constantly seeking validation on social media through likes, comments, and followers can be a sign of insecurity and a need for external approval. A truly confident person doesn’t need constant reassurance from anyone to feel good about themselves.
18. “I’m not perfect, but…” (Followed by a list of their positive qualities).
This phrase is a subtle way of bragging disguised as self-deprecation. It’s a way of highlighting one’s strengths while pretending to acknowledge their flaws. A truly humble person would simply acknowledge their imperfections without feeling the need to list their positive attributes.
19. “I’m so down-to-earth.” (But they act like they’re better than everyone else).
A down-to-earth person is humble, approachable, and relatable. If someone claims to be down-to-earth but acts superior or aloof, it’s a clear sign of incongruence. Their actions reveal a sense of entitlement or a belief that they’re above everyone.
20. “I’m always honest.” (But they tell white lies and half-truths).
Honesty is about more than just avoiding outright lies. It’s also about being transparent, forthcoming, and not omitting important information. If someone claims to be honest but frequently tells white lies, sugar coats the truth, or leaves out crucial details, it’s a sign that they’re not fully committed to truthfulness.
