8 things fake friends do when they secretly dislike you

There’s a profound difference between real friends and fake ones.

The crux lies in their intentions. Fake friends, they’re the ones who act friendly, but in reality, harbor feelings of dislike towards you.

Spotting a fake friend isn’t always easy, especially when they’re good at hiding their true feelings. But don’t worry, there are certain telltale signs that can help you identify them.

In this article, we will uncover the 8 things fake friends do when they secretly dislike you. It’s all about decoding their actions and understanding what lies beneath their smiles and friendly gestures.

So, let’s dive in and expose these faux friendships for what they really are.

1) They’re never genuinely happy for you

Fake friends, they’re a different breed altogether.

When something good happens to you, real friends celebrate with you. They share your joy and happiness. But fake friends? Not so much.

Even though they might put on a facade of being happy for you, deep down, they’re not. Their congratulations seem forced, their smiles don’t reach their eyes, and there’s a lack of genuine enthusiasm in their voice.

Why? Because they secretly dislike you. They don’t like seeing you succeed or being happy. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s one of the telltale signs that your friend might not be as real as they seem.

So, watch out for this. Genuine happiness for others is a sign of true friendship. If it’s missing, you might be dealing with a fake friend.

2) They’re often absent in times of need

Fake friends have a knack for disappearing when you need them the most.

Let me share a personal example with you. A few years back, I was going through a tough time. I had lost my job and was struggling to find a new one. It was a rough patch, but I was hopeful that my friends would be there for me.

But guess what? One of my so-called ‘friends’ was nowhere to be found. Every time I reached out to them for support or even just a chat, they were always ‘busy.’ Their sudden unavailability was in stark contrast to our usual hangouts when things were going well.

It was then that I realized they were only around for the good times, not for the bad ones. A real friend stands by you, no matter what. But a fake friend? They vanish at the first sign of trouble.

Keep an eye out for this behavior. If a friend consistently disappears when you need them, they might not be as genuine as you thought.

3) They’re quick to criticize

Here’s the thing about fake friends—they love to criticize. It’s almost as if they derive pleasure from pointing out your flaws and mistakes.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who secretly dislike others are more likely to highlight their faults and shortcomings. They do this to feel better about themselves, even if it’s at your expense.

This doesn’t mean that real friends will never criticize you. The difference is that genuine friends offer constructive criticism out of care and concern, while fake friends do it to belittle and demean you.

So, if you notice a ‘friend’ who can’t seem to say anything positive about you, but is quick to highlight your faults, be wary. This could be a red flag that they’re not genuinely invested in your friendship.

4) They rarely initiate contact

Communication is a two-way street, especially in friendships. But with fake friends, you might notice that you’re always the one making the effort.

They seldom call or text first, and they hardly ever organize meetups. You’re always the one reaching out, checking in, and making plans. And even then, their responses might be lukewarm or noncommittal.

This lack of effort on their part is not just an indication of disinterest, but it’s also a sign of their underlying dislike. They don’t value your relationship enough to put in the effort, which is a clear sign of a fake friend.

So, if it feels like you’re always the one reaching out and keeping the friendship alive, take note. True friends are eager to connect and spend time with each other. If that’s not happening, you might be dealing with a fake friend.

5) They spread rumors about you

There’s nothing more hurtful than finding out a ‘friend’ has been spreading rumors about you. It’s a betrayal that cuts deep, especially when it comes from someone you thought you could trust.

Fake friends, unfortunately, have a tendency to gossip. Instead of confronting you directly with their issues or concerns, they’ll talk behind your back, sowing seeds of discord and spreading false information about you.

This act of backstabbing shows a deep lack of respect for you, and it’s one of the most heart-wrenching signs that they secretly dislike you.

Remember, a real friend will always have your back. They won’t tarnish your reputation for their own gain. If someone is spreading rumors about you, they’re not your friend. They’re just pretending to be.

6) They’re competitive, not supportive

Competition is healthy, but not when it’s with your friends.

I remember a time when I achieved something I was really proud of. Instead of being happy for me, a ‘friend’ of mine tried to one-up my accomplishment with their own. It felt as if every achievement of mine was a challenge for them to do better.

This competitive streak was less about friendly rivalry and more about undermining my accomplishments. It wasn’t long before I realized that this ‘friend’ was not happy for me, but rather saw my achievements as a threat.

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Genuine friends uplift each other; they don’t view each other’s successes as a competition. If your ‘friend’ is always trying to outdo you instead of supporting you, you might be dealing with a fake friend who secretly dislikes you.

7) They dismiss your feelings

One of the most disheartening things a fake friend can do is dismiss your feelings.

When you share your thoughts, emotions, or experiences, they might brush them off as unimportant or trivial. They might even make you feel like you’re overreacting or being too sensitive.

This dismissal is not just disrespectful, but it’s also a sign that they don’t truly value or empathize with your feelings. A real friend will always take your emotions into account and validate your experiences, even if they don’t fully understand.

If you notice that a ‘friend’ consistently dismisses or invalidates your feelings, be cautious. This could be a sign of their hidden dislike for you. Genuine friends respect and acknowledge each other’s feelings—they don’t dismiss them.

8) They only reach out when they need something

The most telling sign of a fake friend is their tendency to only reach out when they need something. Whether it’s a favor, advice, or simply someone to lean on, they’re always ready to take but seldom available to give.

This one-sided dynamic is not what friendship is about. Real friendships are based on mutual support and reciprocity.

If you find that a ‘friend’ only contacts you when they need something, it’s a clear indication that they’re using your friendship for their own benefit. And that’s not friendship at all—it’s manipulation.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-respect

The complex world of human relationships is a constant dance of emotions and interactions.

In the realm of friendships, it’s important to remember that every relationship should be built on mutual respect and genuine affection.

Fake friends, with their hidden dislike and ulterior motives, can cause significant emotional distress. Being aware of these signs can save you from unnecessary heartache and help you foster healthier relationships.

Remember, it’s not about the number of friends you have, but the quality of those friendships. Surround yourself with people who respect you, value you, and genuinely care about your well-being.

After all, as Maya Angelou once said, “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” It’s a powerful reminder to value ourselves and expect the same from our friendships.

Reflect on your relationships. Identify the fake friends. And remember – you deserve nothing but genuine love and respect.