Body language is incredibly revealing. It’s a silent language that can tell you if someone is genuine or just a plastic, fake persona.
Psychology has given us a roadmap to read these subtle signs, helping us peel back the layers of pretense and see what’s truly there.
Spotting a fake person isn’t always easy. They’ve mastered the art of deception. But with a keen eye and understanding of body language, you can decode their façade.
So, let’s dive in!
1) Too much eye contact
Eye contact is an essential part of communication. It shows attention and engagement. But when it’s too much, it can be a sign of a fake person.
Psychology tells us that maintaining eye contact 50% to 70% of the time during a conversation is considered normal.
Anything more than that, especially if it feels intense or uncomfortable, could be a sign of someone trying to overcompensate for their insincerity.
Fake people often use excessive eye contact as a tool to convince others of their honesty.
However, this over-the-top behavior can actually come across as disingenuous and manipulative.
So keep an eye out for this subtle sign. Genuine people are comfortable with natural breaks in eye contact.
2) Their smile doesn’t reach their eyes
A genuine smile is easy to spot – it lights up the eyes and the whole face. But a fake person’s smile? It’s all about the mouth and very little about the eyes.
I remember meeting a colleague at a networking event. Every time he’d smile, his mouth would stretch into a wide grin, but his eyes?
They’d remain uninvolved, almost cold. It felt off, and it wasn’t long before I realized his words were as empty as his expressions.
Psychologists refer to this as a “Duchenne smile,” named after the French physician Guillaume Duchenne.
He found that true happiness involves both the muscles that control the mouth and those that control the eyes.
So if you’re interacting with someone whose smile doesn’t seem to reach their eyes, take it as a sign.
It could be an indication that they’re not as genuine as they appear.
3) Overly animated body language
When someone’s body language is too animated or exaggerated, it could be a red flag.
It’s like they’re putting on a performance instead of having a genuine interaction.
Research in the field of nonverbal communication has found that people who are deceptive tend to use more dramatic gestures and expressions.
This is because they are trying to convince not only you, but also themselves of the authenticity of their words.
4) Constantly checking their appearance
We all want to look presentable. But when someone is constantly checking their appearance or adjusting their attire during a conversation, it may be a sign of insincerity.
Fake people often focus more on how they are perceived than on the genuine interaction at hand.
They worry about appearing perfect and put extra effort into maintaining an image that they believe is appealing to others.
This obsession with appearance can distract them from truly connecting with people.
If you notice someone overly concerned with their looks during a conversation, it could signal a lack of authenticity.
5) They rarely show vulnerability
Showing vulnerability requires courage. It means opening up, sharing your fears and insecurities, and admitting when you’re wrong. It’s a hallmark of genuine people.
Yet, those who are plastic or fake seldom show this side of themselves.
They maintain a facade of perfection, rarely letting their guard down to reveal their true selves.
I’ve found that the most authentic connections come from shared vulnerabilities, from those moments when we let down our defenses and expose our true selves.
Yet, fake people often avoid these moments, choosing instead to hide behind a mask of invulnerability.
6) They mirror your actions excessively
Mirroring is a natural part of human behavior. We often subconsciously imitate the body language, speech patterns, or attitudes of those we’re interacting with, and it’s a sign of empathy and understanding.
But there was this one time when I met someone who mirrored my actions excessively.
It felt unnatural and forced. Every gesture I made, every phrase I used, was echoed back almost immediately.
It was like talking to my reflection rather than having a genuine interaction.
Psychologists suggest that excessive mirroring can be a sign of deceit.
Fake people use it as a tool to gain your trust or to make you feel more comfortable around them.
7) They frequently interrupt you
During a conversation, interruptions can sometimes happen naturally.
But when someone consistently interrupts or talks over you, it might be a sign they aren’t genuinely interested in what you have to say.
Fake people often focus more on getting their own points across and less on understanding others.
They could be more interested in shaping the conversation to their advantage than in engaging in meaningful dialogue.
Genuine people value your input and give you the space to express your thoughts and feelings.
8) They lack empathy
At the heart of genuine connections lies empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
It’s what allows us to connect on a deeper level, to feel seen and understood.
However, fake people often struggle with showing genuine empathy.
They may feign concern or offer hollow condolences, but their reactions often lack the warmth and sincerity that comes with true empathy.
Remember this: someone who lacks empathy is likely showing you one of the most telling signs of a plastic and fake person.
Authenticity, authenticity, authenticity
The intricacies of human behavior are a fascinating study. The signs of fake people, as outlined, are a good start to discerning authenticity.
We all have days when our smiles don’t quite reach our eyes or when we’re overly concerned about our appearance.
But it’s the consistent patterns that set genuine and fake people apart. It’s the difference between having an off day and living a life behind a mask.
And let’s not forget – we all have the capacity for growth and change. If you recognize some of these signs in yourself, don’t despair, as self-awareness is the first step toward authenticity.
