As individuals, we all desire authenticity, honesty, and sincerity in our interactions with others.
Research has long examined what makes some individuals seem superficially perfect but emotionally detached.
Women who excel at appearing “plastic” often exhibit a blend of behaviors defined by strategic thinking and social manipulation.
Psychology provides insight into these traits, helping us identify what lies beneath the polished surface.
In this piece, we explore nine behaviors backed by research that characterize these women—let’s dive into this psychologically-informed exploration:
1) They’re excessively charming
Charm can be a good thing, but excessive charm may be a red flag.
Women who are experts at being plastic often use charm as a tool to manipulate and deceive.
She’s might be overly flattering towards others, especially those she just met or hardly knows—it may seem like she’s trying too hard to impress, or that her compliments are insincere.
She may be incredibly charming when she wants something from someone—be it their time, attention, material possessions or even their support for her ideas.
This excessive charm often comes off as inauthentic and fake.
It’s as if she’s putting on a performance, rather than genuinely interacting people.
2) They’re always changing their opinions
Women who are experts at being plastic often change their opinions to align with those around them.
This is because they’re more interested in being liked and fitting in, rather than expressing their true beliefs and thoughts.
Her views on topics can drastically sway depending on who she’s talking to; one moment she’s all for animal rights when she’s talking to a passionate vegan, and the next, she’s indifferent about it when speaking with someone who doesn’t care.
To her, it’s all about portraying an image that is pleasing to others, even if it’s not a true reflection of who they are.
It’s a manipulative tactic used to gain approval and acceptance from others.
3) They’re rarely vulnerable
Vulnerability often comes with a sense of authenticity because it involves showing one’s true self, flaws and all.
However, women who are experts at being plastic rarely show this side of themselves.
Contrary to what one might expect, these women maintain a facade of perfection—they seem to always have everything together, never falter, and never make mistakes.
This is because showing vulnerability could expose their true selves and break the image they’ve worked so hard to create.
They avoid showing any signs of weakness or imperfection as they fear it may make them less likable or accepted.
4) They lack deep connections
In the grand scheme of things, almost the entirety of the human race yearns for deep, meaningful relationships—craving connections that touch souls and makes one feel seen, heard, loved.
But women who are experts at being plastic struggle with this.
Because being authentic, raw, and real is a precursor to forming deep connections—and they’re anything but.
They might have a large social circle, always surrounded by people, but the relationships are shallow.
These women will go flitting from one person to another, never really forming a bond that goes beyond the surface level.
This is because they’re too concerned with maintaining their facade, too guarded to let anyone in.
They’re incapable of forming true connections because that would require them to be genuine and open, something they’re not comfortable with.
5) They struggle with self-identity
At the core of it all, women who are experts at being plastic usually grapple with their own self-identity.
It’s not easy to keep up a facade constantly, and it often stems from a place of deep insecurity and self-doubt.
They may not have a clear sense of who they really are, what they genuinely like or dislike, or what they truly believe in.
They’re so used to adapting to others, that they lose touch with their own identity.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t something they do out of malice.
Many times, it’s a defense mechanism, a way to protect themselves from rejection or criticism.
6) They’re often agreeable
Everyone likes someone who is agreeable, right? They’re easy to get along with and generally make things smoother.
But there’s a difference between being naturally agreeable and being plastic.
Women who are experts at being plastic often come across as extremely agreeable.
They rarely express disagreement or voice contrasting opinions.
They’re always nodding, always agreeing, always going with the flow.
This might seem like a positive trait at first, but it’s actually a form of self-suppression.
It’s about avoiding conflict, avoiding any chance of displeasing others or coming across as difficult.
Consistent suppression of one’s own thoughts and feelings isn’t healthy and could be a sign of plastic behavior.
7) They love the spotlight
Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of attention now and then? It’s fun to be in the limelight, to have all eyes on them.
But for women who are experts at being plastic, this craving for attention goes a notch higher.
These women will be at the center of gatherings, leading conversations, making people laugh, and generally being the life of the party.
They thrive in situations where they can command attention and admiration from others.
However, this isn’t necessarily because they’re extroverted or naturally charismatic—it’s more about maintaining their image and ensuring they’re seen in a positive light.
8) They’re masters of deception
Excuse the absence of sugarcoating, but women who are experts at being plastic are skilled manipulators.
They have a knack for bending the truth, spinning stories, and creating illusions that serve their purpose.
They might twist facts or withhold information to present things in a way that’s beneficial to them.
It’s not about outright lying, but more about cleverly manipulating the truth.
This can be incredibly frustrating and damage trust in relationships—honesty is the backbone of any relationship, whether it’s friendship or romantic.
9) They lack empathy
Empathy requires understanding and sharing another person’s feelings, and it’s a trait that’s closely linked with authenticity.
These women might feign concern or sympathy when it suits their image, but their reactions often feel rehearsed or superficial.
They struggle to connect on a deeper emotional level because they’re caught up in maintaining their own facade.
Empathy is the cornerstone of genuine human interaction; without empathy, relationships remain shallow and unfulfilling!
So, what’s next?
Noticing these behaviors in someone can be overwhelming, as constant insincerity can be draining.
This doesn’t mean you should immediately cut ties, but protecting your emotional well-being is essential.
If a relationship brings more stress than joy, it may be time to reassess its importance.
Remember, this guide isn’t for labeling or diagnosing; it’s for understanding behaviors.
A few signs don’t define someone as insincere—instead, reflect on your relationships: Are they fulfilling, honest, and enriching?
You deserve genuine, transparent connections—don’t settle for less!
