9 subtle phrases plastic fake people love to use, according to psychology

There’s a fine line between being genuine and being fake.

Being fake is all about using clever words and actions to hide your real intentions. Psychology tells us that fake people love to use certain phrases to mask their true selves.

In contrast, being genuine means showing your true colors, even if they’re not always pretty.

Fake people, or as I like to call them, “plastic people,” have a knack for using subtle phrases that could fool anyone.

Here are some examples of these phrases, as identified by psychology, to help you spot the plastic people in your life.

1) “I hate drama”

Psychology tells us that some of the most drama-filled people are the ones who consistently claim they “hate drama”.

It’s a common phrase used by plastic people, and it’s one of their most cunning tactics.

They use this phrase to portray themselves as victims or peace-loving individuals while subtly causing chaos in the background.

They use this statement as a smokescreen to shift blame and direct attention away from their actions.

It’s a clever way to manipulate situations without appearing to be the instigator.

But remember, actions speak louder than words.

If someone is constantly surrounded by drama, yet claims they despise it, it’s a red flag that they might not be as genuine as they seem.

Keep in mind, spotting this phrase isn’t about accusing someone of being fake.

It’s about understanding the psychology behind their words and making informed decisions about their true intentions.

2) “You’re too sensitive”

If there’s one phrase that gets under my skin, it’s “you’re too sensitive.”

I’ve heard it from people who have a knack for pushing my buttons and then acting innocent when I react. It’s a classic move from the plastic people playbook.

A few years ago, I had a co-worker who would constantly make snide remarks about my work. When I finally confronted him about it, he brushed it off with a casual, “you’re too sensitive.”

This phrase is a master manipulator’s tool. It shifts the blame from their actions to your reactions.

It’s their way of invalidating your feelings while avoiding any responsibility for their behavior.

I’ve learned that when someone tells you that you’re too sensitive, it’s usually because they are too insensitive.

It’s not about you being overly emotional, but about them lacking empathy.

3) “I’m just being honest”

When plastic people say, “I’m just being honest,” it’s often their way of sugarcoating rudeness.

They use this phrase to veil their harsh critique or offensive comment, making it seem like they’re doing you a favor by telling the ‘truth’.

While honesty is a virtue, it’s important to know that there’s a way to deliver truth without being disrespectful or hurtful.

According to a study, people who frequently use brutal honesty as an excuse for rudeness are more likely to have personality traits associated with narcissism and antisocial behavior.

This phrase is often their defense mechanism to escape the consequences of inappropriate comments.

It’s a classic disguise for plastic people to avoid taking responsibility for their words.

4) “I’m not like other people”

“I’m not like other people,” is a phrase often used by individuals who want to set themselves apart from the crowd.

Plastic people use this statement as a tool to make themselves seem unique, interesting, or superior to others.

It’s their way of creating intrigue and drawing attention to themselves. They aim to make you believe that they are special and unlike anyone else you’ve ever met.

However, this phrase is often a red flag that the person may not be genuine.

Truly authentic people don’t feel the need to constantly assert their uniqueness or put others down to elevate themselves.

Instead, they let their actions and character speak for themselves.

So, next time someone tells you they’re “not like other people,” be cautious. It could be a sign that they’re hiding their true personality under a veil of plastic.

5) “Trust me”

The phrase “Trust me” is so often used by plastic people, it’s almost a cliché.

It’s their way of trying to convince you of their reliability and sincerity when their actions may suggest otherwise.

This statement is typically used when they’re about to do something questionable or when they need your faith in them to get away with something.

They use it as a safety net to fall back on when their actions fail to align with their words.

Genuine people understand that trust is earned through consistent actions over time, not just handed out because someone asks for it.

6) “I don’t care what people think”

“I don’t care what people think” is a phrase we’ve all heard and perhaps even admired.

It seems to reflect confidence and self-assuredness, traits we often associate with authenticity.

However, when used excessively, this phrase can be a subtle mask worn by plastic people.

They use it as a defense mechanism to avoid dealing with criticism or to justify their actions.

In reality, we all care to some extent what others think of us. It’s part of being human and forming meaningful relationships.

We strive for acceptance and understanding from those around us.

It’s okay to care, and it’s okay to admit it. There’s strength in vulnerability, not in pretending we’re invincible.

7) “I’m fine”

“I’m fine” is a phrase I’ve used more times than I can count.

It’s my go-to response when I don’t want to deal with the reality of my feelings or when I don’t want to burden others with my problems.

But here’s the thing, plastic people often use this phrase as a shield.

They hide behind these two simple words to avoid showing any sign of weakness or vulnerability.

They use it to maintain a facade of perfection and to keep people at arm’s length.

But, I’ve come to realize that it’s okay not to be fine all the time. It’s okay to open up and share your struggles.

Authenticity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real, being human.

So next time you hear “I’m fine,” look a little deeper. There might be more going on beneath the surface than they’re letting on.

8) “I’m just kidding”

“I’m just kidding” is a phrase that’s often dropped after an offensive or hurtful comment.

Plastic people use it as a safety net to fall back on when their joke lands a little too close to home.

This phrase allows them to say something potentially damaging while deflecting any backlash.

It’s like they’ve discovered a loophole in social norms: as long as they add “I’m just kidding” at the end, they can say almost anything without facing consequences.

However, this tactic can be revealing. If someone frequently uses humor to disguise their insults, it might indicate a lack of respect or consideration for others’ feelings.

Humor should bring joy, not pain. Genuine people know the difference and strive to make sure their jokes are in good spirit and not at the expense of others.

9) “No offense, but…”

“No offense, but…” is a phrase often used before a potentially offensive statement.

It’s a pre-emptive attempt by plastic people to evade the repercussions of their words.

This phrase is a clear sign that they are aware their upcoming comment might hurt or anger you, but they choose to say it anyway.

They use it as a shield, hoping it will protect them from any backlash.

In reality, saying “no offense” doesn’t make an offensive statement any less hurtful.

Authentic people understand this and choose their words carefully to avoid causing unnecessary harm.

So, let’s strive to see people for who they truly are, not who they pretend to be.

Let’s foster authenticity and encourage honesty in our relationships.

And most importantly, let’s remember that it’s okay to be real, to be human, in a world that too often feels plastic.