Have you ever met someone who seems a little too smooth, a little too charming? Like they’re always buttering you up with compliments and sweet talk? That’s not always a bad thing, but sometimes it can be a sign that someone’s not being totally genuine. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat about some phrases that fake people might use to flatter and manipulate you.
1. “You’re the only person I can truly be myself with.”
Source: Unsplash This one’s a classic. It’s supposed to make you feel special, like you have a unique connection with this person. However, if they’re saying this to everyone, it loses its meaning. Plus, if someone’s truly comfortable with you, they won’t feel the need to constantly express it. Actions speak louder than words, so pay attention to how they actually treat you, not just what they say.
2. “I’ve never met anyone like you before.”
Source: Unsplash While this might sound like a compliment, it can also be a way to make you feel indebted to them. It implies that you’re so unique and special that they’re lucky to have you in their life. This can create a sense of obligation, making you more likely to do things for them or put up with their bad behaviour.
3. “You’re so much better than my ex.”
Source: Unsplash Bringing up an ex is usually a red flag, but this particular phrase is especially manipulative. It’s designed to make you feel superior to someone else, boosting your ego and making you more likely to overlook any flaws or red flags in your current relationship. Plus, it’s just not cool to compare people like that.
4. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Source: Unsplash This can be a genuine expression of appreciation, but it can also be a tactic to make you feel indispensable. It creates a sense of dependence, making you feel like you need to stay in the relationship, even if it’s not healthy. Remember, you’re a strong, independent person who can absolutely thrive on your own.
5. “You always know exactly what to say.”
Source: Unsplash Everyone likes to feel appreciated for their listening skills and emotional support, but this phrase can be a way to manipulate you into constantly providing validation and reassurance. It’s like they’re putting you on a pedestal as the perfect listener, making it harder for you to express your own needs and feelings.
6. “I can tell you anything.”
Source: Unsplash This might sound like a sign of trust and intimacy, but it can also be a ploy to get you to share your own secrets and vulnerabilities. Once they have that information, they can use it against you or hold it over your head. Be cautious about oversharing with someone who seems too eager to hear your secrets.
7. “You’re so much smarter/prettier/funnier than you think.”
Source: Unsplash While these compliments might seem harmless, they can actually be a form of negging. Negging is a manipulative tactic where someone gives you a backhanded compliment to lower your self-esteem and make you more dependent on their approval. For example, they might say, “You’re so pretty for a girl your age” or “You’re surprisingly funny for an introvert.” These subtle insults can chip away at your confidence, making you more likely to seek their validation.
8. “Only you understand me.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase creates a sense of exclusivity, making you feel like you have a special bond with this person that no one else can replicate. It can also be a way to isolate you from your other friends and family members, making you more dependent on them for emotional support and validation. Remember, healthy relationships involve a network of supportive people, not just one person who claims to understand you perfectly.
9. “You’re not like other girls/guys.”
Source: Unsplash This might sound like a compliment, but it’s actually a backhanded one. It implies that there’s something wrong with being “like other girls” or “like other guys,” as if those groups are somehow inferior. It’s a way to isolate you and make you feel like you need to be different to be worthy of their attention. A genuine compliment wouldn’t put other people down to lift you up.
10. “I’m the only one who really cares about you.”
Source: Unsplash This is a major red flag. It’s a way to manipulate you into thinking that they’re the only person who has your best interests at heart, making you more dependent on them and less likely to ask for the support they need. It’s also a way to isolate you from your friends and family, who might see through their manipulation.
11. “You’re too good for me.”
Source: Unsplash This might seem like a humble statement, but it’s often a tactic to get you to reassure them and boost their ego. It also plays on your insecurities, making you question your own worth and value. A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect and admiration, not on one person constantly putting themselves down.
12. “You complete me.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase, popularized by movies and romantic comedies, sets an unrealistic expectation for relationships. It puts pressure on you to be everything for this person, fulfilling all their needs and desires. It’s important to remember that you’re a whole person on your own, and a healthy relationship should enhance your life, not complete it.
13. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Source: Unsplash This might sound like an apology, but it’s actually a non-apology. It avoids taking responsibility for their actions and instead shifts the focus to your feelings. A genuine apology would acknowledge their wrongdoing and express remorse, not just dismiss your feelings.
14. “You’re overreacting.”
Source: Unsplash This is a classic gaslighting tactic, designed to make you doubt your own emotions and perceptions. If someone consistently tells you that your reactions are invalid or exaggerated, it can eat away at your confidence and make you question whether you’re going crazy. Trust your gut and don’t let anyone invalidate your feelings.
15. “I was just joking.”
This is often used as a defence mechanism when someone says something hurtful or offensive. It’s a way to avoid accountability and dismiss your concerns. If someone’s “jokes” consistently make you uncomfortable or upset, it’s not a joke, it’s a problem.
16. “I need you.”
Source: Unsplash While it’s natural to rely on your partner for support and affection, this phrase can be used manipulatively. It can be a way to guilt you into doing things you don’t want to do or staying in a relationship that’s not healthy. Remember, healthy relationships are based on mutual love and respect, not on one person feeling like they need the other to survive.
