8 Simple Ways To Tell If The Person You Have In Mind Is Fake

It's hard to tell when someone is fake until it's too late. By then, you're already caught in their web and can't escape without making it obvious.

I suppose you can't really blame the phonies for being the way they are. Our society has raised generations of materialistic and seriously messed-up people, the worst being those from the Millennial generation.

As a member of this generation, I can confidently say that we are unlike any other in the history of humankind. Technology, globalization, and the media have tainted us to the point that we are unable to differentiate what's real and what's not.

For example, is it even possible to have 2,000 Facebook friends? What's up with those nonsensical Twitter wars? And don't even get me started on the heavily filtered pictures plastered on Instagram.

As writer, poet, and novelist Benjamin Alire Saenz said, Mostly, I think people are fake. Well, what do you expect? The fake world we live in conspires to make us all fakes.

# It's all about them

Fake people tend to make everything about them. There's no denying that there's just something about them that makes them crave everyone's approval. They brag loads and exhibit a self-righteous attitude.

The moment you get an it's-all-about-me vibe, it is only a matter of time before you realize how fake they are.

# They pretend to make an effort

Ever run into an acquaintance or friend whom you haven't see in ages and embrace each other like you're the best of friends?

Besides the usual How have you been? I've missed you! pleasantries, has the conversation ever led to something along the lines of Oh my god, let's totally catch up for drinks this weekend and you never hear from them again?

You may have been the one doing the faking sadly, even the best of us have done this to get out of an awkward situation, so you would know exactly what I mean when I say that they don't mean it.

# They're too busy to help

Phonies are usually only around for the good times. They're always too busy with something if you need a helping hand.

Whether it's a shoulder to cry on after a breakup or helping you pack and move apartments, you can never count on fake people to be there when the going gets rough, or when the going doesn't involve partying.

# They ignore you

Fake people only reach out to you when they want something. Whether it's getting them on the VIP list to the club or asking you to put in a good word for them with their new employer, they usually only reach out to you when they want something.

Look at it this way: You're just an easy means to an end, and there's nothing you can do about it.

# They make plenty of promises

Fake people are pros at making promises that they never keep. Way back in the day, I knew someone who promised me that she would introduce me to a manager looking to hire an intern.

She talked the job up so much and convinced me that she had set up an interview. I traveled across town only to find out that she didn't do anything of the sort. The thing about fake people is that they want to look good in that moment, and when the moment passes, they conveniently forget what they promised you.

# They gossip all the time

Fake people are gossip mongers, and this is an indisputable fact. Despite the myriad of topics to discuss, phonies always end up bad-mouthing other people, even those whom they consider their friends.

Beware of these people, because if they can bitch about the people closest to them, imagine the things they say about you behind your back!

# They try to please everyone

Fake people have this inexplicable need to please others. Perhaps there's a psychological explanation behind it, but I'm not going to get into that. Somehow, they are experts at spewing bullshit to entertain those around them.

Whether it's pretending to be nice or offering to help with something even though they never do, being fake almost seems like a skill that they've perfected.

# They never initiate contact

Ever realized that you're always the one initiating contact with this one particular friend? Whether it's a call to meet up for drinks or a friendly text message, fake people are never the first one to make a move.