Ever had that friend who’s all sunshine and rainbows to your face, but throws shade behind your back? We’ve all encountered a two-faced person at some point. It’s like a sneaky game of emotional dodgeball, and you’re the unsuspecting target. But hey, knowledge is power! Here are some of their favourite phrases so you can spot their backstabbing antics a mile away.
1. “I would never say anything bad about you.”
This is the classic denial of a two-faced person. They might say this with a sweet smile, but behind closed doors, they’re probably spreading rumours and gossip faster than you can say “betrayal.” Actions speak louder than words, so pay attention to their behaviour, not just their empty promises.
2. “I’m just looking out for you.”
This seemingly caring phrase is often a disguise for their own manipulative motives. They might offer unsolicited advice or criticise your choices under the guise of “helping” you. But in reality, they’re probably trying to undermine your confidence or steer you in a direction that benefits them.
3. “I totally agree with you… but…”
Ah, the “but” that negates everything that came before it. This is a classic tactic of two-faced people. They might start by feigning agreement, but then quickly turn the conversation around to undermine your opinion or highlight their own perceived superiority.
4. “Don’t tell anyone, but…”
This phrase is designed to create a false sense of intimacy and trust. They might share a juicy piece of gossip or a personal secret, making you feel like you’re in their inner circle. But be warned, they’re probably sharing the same “secret” with other people, using it as a tool to manipulate and control.
5. “I’m so jealous of you!”
Source: Unsplash This seemingly innocent compliment is often a veiled insult. They might say it with a forced smile, but underneath, they’re probably seething with envy. It’s a passive-aggressive way of putting you down while pretending to be supportive.
6. “I’m just kidding!”
This is the ultimate excuse of a two-faced person. They might make a hurtful comment or spread a nasty rumour, then brush it off as a joke when confronted. It’s a way of avoiding accountability and dismissing your feelings.
7. “You’re being too sensitive.”
Source: Unsplash This is a classic gaslighting tactic. They might invalidate your feelings or make you question your own sanity. It’s a way of deflecting blame and making you feel like you’re the problem, not them.
8. “I’m the only one who tells you the truth.”
Source: Unsplash This manipulative phrase is designed to isolate you from your other friends and make you dependent on their approval. They might paint people as untrustworthy or jealous, while portraying themselves as your sole confidant. It’s a way of controlling the narrative and manipulating your perceptions.
9. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
Source: Unsplash This is another way of avoiding accountability. They might say something hurtful or offensive, then backpedal and claim they didn’t mean it the way you took it. It’s a way of dismissing your feelings and making you question your own interpretation of their words.
10. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Source: Unsplash This non-apology is a hallmark of a two-faced person. They might acknowledge your feelings, but they don’t actually take responsibility for their actions. It’s a way of shifting the blame onto you and making you feel like you’re overreacting.
11. “That’s not what I heard.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase is often used to sow seeds of doubt and create conflict. They might repeat a rumour or gossip they heard, then act innocent and claim they’re just relaying information. It’s a way of stirring up trouble and creating drama while maintaining plausible deniability.
12. “I’m worried about you.”
This seemingly caring phrase can be a subtle form of manipulation. They might express concern about your choices or behaviour, but their real intention is to make you doubt yourself or feel guilty. It’s a way of exerting control and making you dependent on their approval.
13. “You’re overreacting.”
This phrase is designed to invalidate your feelings and make you question your own sanity. They might dismiss your concerns or downplay your experiences, making you feel like you’re being too sensitive or dramatic. It’s a way of avoiding accountability and maintaining the upper hand.
14. “It’s for your own good.”
This phrase is often used to justify their manipulative behaviour. They might try to control your decisions or choices under the guise of “helping” you. But in reality, they’re probably motivated by their own self-interest or desire for power.
15. “You’re so lucky to have me as a friend.”
This self-congratulatory phrase is a red flag for a two-faced person. They might try to make you feel indebted to them or remind you of their supposed superiority. It’s a way of reinforcing their own ego and making you feel like you need their friendship more than they need yours.
16. “I’m not like other people.”
This phrase is a subtle way of putting people down and elevating themselves. They might try to portray themselves as more honest, trustworthy, or loyal than others. But in reality, they’re probably just as manipulative and deceitful, if not more so.
17. “I’m just being honest.”
This phrase is often used to excuse their hurtful comments or criticisms. They might claim they’re just telling you the truth, but their real intention is to hurt you or undermine your confidence. Honesty without tact or empathy is just cruelty in disguise.
18. “You misunderstood me.”
This phrase is a way of deflecting blame and avoiding accountability. They might say something hurtful or offensive, then claim you misinterpreted their words. It’s a way of gaslighting you and making you question your own perception of reality.
19. “I’m always here for you… as long as it’s convenient for me.”
This conditional support is a telltale sign of a two-faced person. They might offer help or support, but only when it doesn’t inconvenience them or interfere with their own plans. It’s a way of appearing helpful while prioritising their own needs and desires.
20. “I’m the victim here.”
This phrase is the ultimate manipulation tactic. They might twist the narrative to make themselves appear as the victim, even when they’re the ones causing harm. It’s a way of deflecting blame and avoiding responsibility for their actions.
