11 Signs Someone is Pretending to Like You But They Don’t and How to Spot Them Easily
Sometimes people around you may seem friendly, but their feelings might not be genuine. It can be confusing and hurtful to figure out whether someone truly likes you or is just pretending.
Recognizing the signs that someone is pretending to like you can help you protect your feelings and make better choices about your relationships. Understanding these subtle clues can save you time and emotional energy.
Avoids eye contact during conversations
If someone often looks away when talking to you, it might mean they’re not fully engaged. Avoiding eye contact can show discomfort or a lack of interest in the conversation.
You might notice they focus on other things, like their phone or the floor. This behavior can feel like they’re not really present with you.
However, some people are just shy or nervous. Still, if it happens regularly, it’s worth paying attention to how they act in other situations.
Only texts when they need something
You might notice they only reach out when they need a favor or help. Their messages rarely ask how you are or check in just for fun.
If you look back, most conversations start because of what they want, not because they want to talk. This can leave you feeling used or unappreciated.
When someone truly likes you, they want to chat or share things without an agenda. So, if their texts are mostly one-sided, it’s a clear sign to pay attention.
Rarely initiates plans
If you notice that you’re always the one asking to hang out or catch up, it could be a sign. They might not be as interested in spending time with you as they say.
People who genuinely like you typically want to make an effort to see you. When they rarely suggest plans, it suggests their feelings are more casual.
It’s normal for people to get busy, but if this behavior is consistent, it’s worth paying attention to. Their lack of initiative shows their priorities.
Gives vague or non-committal answers
When someone pretends to like you, their answers often feel unclear or half-hearted. You might ask a simple question, and they respond with something generic like, “Maybe,” or “I don’t know.”
They avoid giving definite opinions or taking a clear stance. This can leave you feeling a bit confused or uncertain about where you stand with them.
If you notice they rarely share detailed thoughts or feelings, it might be a sign they’re not fully invested. Vague answers help them keep distance without outright rejecting you.
Laughs at your jokes but seems distracted
You might notice they laugh when you tell a joke, but their eyes aren’t fully on you. Their attention often drifts, like they’re thinking about something else.
This kind of distracted laughter can mean they’re just being polite. They might not actually find your joke funny but want to keep things smooth.
If they frequently check their phone or look around while laughing, it’s a sign their mind isn’t fully invested in the moment with you. This can feel confusing because the reaction doesn’t match their true engagement.
Doesn’t remember important details about you
If they often forget things you’ve shared, like your favorite hobbies or key events, it may show they’re not fully invested. You might notice they only remember things when reminded.
When someone genuinely cares, they keep track of details without needing prompts. If your stories don’t seem to stick with them, their interest could be superficial.
You don’t want to feel like an afterthought. Remember, small details matter because they show someone is paying attention to who you really are.
Uses polite but distant body language
You might notice they keep a certain physical distance from you, even when talking. Their posture can be stiff or overly formal, like they’re just going through the motions.
They may avoid eye contact or look away frequently, signaling they aren’t fully engaged. Smiles or nods might feel forced, rather than warm or genuine.
Their gestures are minimal, and they rarely lean in during conversations. This polite but distant body language often indicates they don’t feel close or comfortable, despite trying to be courteous.
Quick to change the subject from personal topics
If you notice someone often shifts the conversation away from personal topics, it might be a sign they’re not fully invested. You bring up something important about your life, but they quickly steer the talk elsewhere.
This can show they’re uncomfortable opening up or don’t want to connect with you on a deeper level. When you share something meaningful, and they seem eager to avoid it, they might not be as interested as they seem.
Pay attention to how often this happens. It’s a subtle clue that your conversations aren’t as genuine as you might hope.
Often cancels plans last minute
If someone frequently cancels plans with you at the last minute, it could be a sign they aren’t genuinely interested. They might give excuses that seem vague or inconsistent.
You might notice a pattern where every time you try to meet, they find a reason not to. This can leave you feeling unimportant or like a backup option.
While occasional cancellations happen to everyone, repeated last-minute changes usually mean they don’t prioritize spending time with you. It’s worth paying attention to how often it occurs.
Minimal or no effort to get to know your friends
If someone is pretending to like you, they often won’t show interest in your friends. They might avoid meeting them or asking questions about them.
You may notice they change the subject quickly when your friends come up. This shows they don’t want to engage with your social circle.
Real interest includes wanting to understand the people important to you. If they don’t make any effort here, it can be a sign they aren’t genuinely invested.
Your friends are part of your life. Someone who cares will naturally want to get to know them.
Seeming uncomfortable when praised
If you notice that someone quickly changes the subject or avoids eye contact when you compliment them, it might mean they aren’t being fully honest. Genuine friends usually accept kind words with at least some warmth.
They may laugh nervously or give short, vague replies instead of thanking you. This discomfort can signal they don’t really value your opinion or the connection as much as they claim.
Watch for repeated patterns. If every compliment makes them uneasy, they might be pretending to like you and don’t know how to respond sincerely.
