Ever come across someone who’s just so refreshingly real? They’re as honest as they come, and their words always match their actions. We’ve all met the other kind too – folks who say one thing but do something else entirely.

Can be a real head-scratcher, right? Figuring out who’s genuine and who’s not.

But hey, guess what? Psychology’s got our back! In this piece, we’ll explore 10 phrases that you’ll never hear from a truly genuine person.

Chances are, you’re going to learn something new about what makes a person truly genuine.

1. “I’m always right”

A truly genuine person understands that nobody is perfect – everyone makes mistakes and it’s part of being human.

An authentic person doesn’t have a problem admitting when they’re wrong. They value honesty over protecting their ego. So, if you hear someone frequently claiming, “I’m always right,” you might want to question their authenticity.

A genuine person knows that learning and growing often comes from recognizing our missteps and working to correct them.

2. “I don’t care what others think”

While it’s true that genuine people value their own opinions over others, they don’t completely disregard what others think. They understand the importance of empathy and considering other perspectives.

If someone is always dismissing the thoughts and feelings of others with a wave of their hand and a casual, “I don’t care what others think,” they may not be as genuine as they seem.

Real people know that building strong relationships often involves caring about and understanding the viewpoints of those around them.

3. “I don’t make mistakes”

Genuine folks are okay with making mistakes. They see them as opportunities to learn and grow. On the contrary, those who always insist, “I don’t make mistakes,” may be more focused on appearing perfect than being real.

I remember a time when I was working on a project with a colleague. I made an error in one of our reports. Instead of hiding it, I owned up to my mistake and we worked together to fix it. Afterwards, my colleague told me she appreciated my honesty. In her previous team, people would rather point fingers than admit their own slip-ups.

That experience taught me that admitting mistakes doesn’t make us less competent; it makes us more human and relatable.

4. “I don’t need anybody’s help”

Genuine people understand the value of teamwork and aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it. They know that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and it’s totally okay to lean on others sometimes.

People who always insist, “I don’t need anybody’s help,” may be trying to appear independent at the expense of reality. They might be masking their own insecurities or fears of not being good enough.

In fact, those who ask for help are generally perceived as more competent, not less. Asking for assistance when you need it actually shows self-awareness and a willingness to learn – traits that are often associated with genuine individuals.

5. “I don’t have time for this”

Genuine people value their relationships and connections. They make time for the people in their lives, even when life gets busy. If someone is always saying, “I don’t have time for this,” they might not be as authentic as you think.

Genuine people know that life isn’t just about work or personal ambition. It’s also about the connections we make with others, and how we nurture those bonds. After all, at the end of the day, it’s the relationships we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched that truly matter.

So if someone is always too busy to lend a hand or a listening ear, they might not be as real as they appear.

6. “I know everything”

Someone who’s truly genuine knows that they don’t have all the answers. They’re continuously open to learning and growing. However, those who frequently boast, “I know everything,” may be trying to mask their insecurities or impress others.

I remember a moment from my school days when I thought I knew everything there was to know about a certain subject. I was quite proud of myself until a new teacher came along and introduced concepts I’d never heard of. At first, I felt embarrassed and defensive. But then, I realized it was an opportunity to learn something new. It was a humbling experience that taught me that there’s always more to learn, no matter how much we think we know.

Genuine people understand this and embrace the joy of continuous learning.

7. “I don’t need to apologize”

Let’s be real here. We all mess up. We all have moments when we say or do things that hurt others, even if we didn’t mean to. Genuine people get this. They aren’t afraid to say, “I’m sorry,” when they’re in the wrong.

But then there are those who think they’re above apologies. Those who always insist, “I don’t need to apologize.” They might think saying sorry makes them look weak or that it’s admitting defeat. But the truth is, refusing to apologize doesn’t make you strong or powerful; it just makes you seem stubborn and unapproachable.

Genuine people understand that apologies aren’t about winning or losing; they’re about respect, empathy, and maintaining healthy relationships. They know that saying sorry when it’s due is a sign of strength and humility, not weakness.

8. “I’m better than everyone else”

Genuine people do not see themselves as superior to others. They know that everyone has their own unique strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and journeys. They respect the individuality and value of every person they meet.

If you hear someone constantly saying, “I’m better than everyone else,” it might be a sign that they are not as genuine as they seem.

Individuals who frequently belittle others or view themselves as superior are often driven by their own insecurities and low self-esteem. In contrast, truly genuine people are more likely to exhibit traits of humility and are more accepting of others’ differences.

9. “I don’t have any weaknesses”

Being genuine means being honest, even when it comes to our flaws and weaknesses. Those who proclaim, “I don’t have any weaknesses,” might not be as genuine as they appear.

I still remember the day I realized that admitting my weaknesses doesn’t make me weak; it makes me human. I used to dread job interviews, especially when they’d ask about my weaknesses. I thought I had to present myself as the perfect candidate with no flaws. But one day, I decided to be honest and shared a real weakness of mine – my tendency to overthink decisions. To my surprise, the interviewer appreciated my honesty and said it showed self-awareness.

That day, I learned that acknowledging our weaknesses can be a strength in itself. Genuine people get this – they aren’t afraid to be real, even if it means showing their vulnerable side.

10. “I don’t need to change”

Change is a part of life. It’s how we grow, learn, and become better versions of ourselves. Genuine people understand this. They’re open to change and are always looking for ways to improve.

But then you have those who stubbornly refuse to change. Those who always say, “I don’t need to change.” They might think they’re perfect just the way they are, that there’s no room for improvement.

But let’s face it, no one’s perfect. We all have things we could work on. Genuine people know this. They aren’t afraid to look in the mirror, see their flaws, and do something about them.

The truth is, refusing to change doesn’t make you strong or stable; it just makes you stagnant. Real growth happens when we’re brave enough to recognize our faults and make the necessary changes.