Navigating the social world can be a tricky business, especially when you’re dealing with people who might not be as genuine as they seem.

This lack of authenticity can be hard to spot. After all, people are pretty good at putting on a facade, especially if they’re trying to win you over.

But here’s the thing – psychology has a few tricks up its sleeve that can help you out. There are some telltale signs that someone might not be as genuine as they’re making themselves out to be.

In this article, we’ll be exploring 9 signs someone is actually not a genuine person, according to psychology.

Let’s dive right in and learn how to separate the real from the fake.

1) They’re a little too perfect

Genuine people are, well, genuine. They have flaws and they make mistakes, just like the rest of us.

But a person who is not genuine might present themselves as being a little too perfect.

Their stories always paint them in a good light, they never seem to be at fault in any situation, and they appear to have an answer for everything.

According to psychology, this perfectionism could just be a mask. It’s a way for them to hide their true selves and to control how others perceive them.

Nobody’s perfect. If someone seems too good to be true, there’s a chance they might not be all that genuine.

2) They’re inconsistent

Inconsistency can be a big giveaway. Genuine people tend to be consistent in their actions and words – they are who they say they are. But those who aren’t genuine? Not so much.

For instance, I once knew someone who would always tell me about the charitable work they were doing. But when I’d ask them for more details about these activities, the stories would change or become vague. It was like they couldn’t keep their own narrative straight.

This inconsistency was a red flag. It showed me that this person might not be as genuine as they were trying to appear.

If someone’s story doesn’t add up, it could be a sign that they’re not really being authentic with you.

3) They’re often judgmental

Genuine people have a knack for making others feel valued and accepted. On the flip side, those who lack authenticity often have a tendency to judge and criticize.

Psychology tells us that judgment often stems from insecurity. Those who are quick to find fault in others are often trying to deflect attention away from their own shortcomings.

Interestingly, Sigmund Freud referred to this as projection – a defense mechanism where individuals attribute characteristics they find unacceptable in themselves to others.

If someone’s always pointing out other people’s flaws, it might not be about those people at all, but rather a reflection of their own insecurities.

4) They’re often gossiping

Gossiping can be another sign of a person who isn’t genuine. While a casual chat about mutual acquaintances can be harmless, constant negative gossip is a different story.

Those who constantly gossip might be trying to divert attention away from themselves, or even to elevate their own status by sharing ‘exclusive’ information.

Psychology points out that this kind of behavior can also stem from a need for attention or acceptance.

Genuine people tend to focus on ideas and positive interactions, rather than spreading rumors or tearing others down.

5) They’re rarely vulnerable

Vulnerability is often seen as a sign of authenticity. It shows that a person is comfortable with who they are, flaws and all, and that they trust you enough to open up.

Someone who is not genuine, however, might avoid showing any kind of vulnerability. They tend to keep their emotions close to their chest and rarely open up about their fears or insecurities.

This could be because they fear judgment or rejection. Or it could be a way to maintain control and keep people at arm’s length.

Either way, a lack of vulnerability can often be a sign that someone isn’t being totally genuine with you.

6) They lack empathy

One of the most beautiful qualities of genuine people is their capacity for empathy. They have this innate ability to understand and share the feelings of others, creating a sense of connection and warmth.

However, someone who isn’t genuine might struggle with showing empathy. They might dismiss your feelings, fail to offer comfort when you’re upset, or simply seem indifferent to what you’re going through.

This lack of empathy can be quite hurtful. It leaves you feeling unvalued and misunderstood. And it’s often a clear sign that someone isn’t as genuine as they might seem.

After all, genuine people understand that we all have our struggles and they’re not afraid to empathize with them.

7) They’re not good listeners

Listening is a skill that genuine people tend to excel at. They truly engage with what you’re saying, showing interest, asking questions, and offering thoughtful responses.

On the other hand, I’ve noticed that people who aren’t genuine often fall short in this area. They might constantly interrupt, steer the conversation back to themselves, or seem distracted while you’re talking.

I remember feeling hurt and dismissed when a friend constantly checked her phone while I was sharing something important. It made me question the authenticity of our relationship.

Being a good listener is about respect and empathy. If someone consistently fails to show these qualities, it’s likely a sign that they’re not being genuine.

8) They’re often flaky

Reliability is a trait that’s often associated with genuine people. They stick to their promises, show up when they say they will, and take responsibility for their actions.

But someone who isn’t genuine might be flaky or unreliable. They might cancel plans at the last minute, forget important dates, or fail to follow through on promises.

This inconsistent behavior can be frustrating and hurtful. It sends the message that they don’t value your time or your feelings.

And it’s often a clear sign that someone isn’t being entirely genuine.

9) They’re always wearing a mask

The most telling sign of someone who isn’t genuine is that they’re always hiding behind a mask.

They present a carefully curated version of themselves to the world, concealing their true thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.

This can make it hard to connect with them on a meaningful level. After all, how can you truly know someone if they’re always hiding their true self?

Genuine people are comfortable being themselves. They don’t feel the need to put on a show for others.

If someone is always wearing a mask, it’s likely that they’re not being genuine.

Final thoughts: Authenticity is a journey

Delving into the depths of genuine behavior, we’ve seen that authenticity is far more than surface-level honesty. It’s about consistency, empathy, vulnerability and so much more.

At the heart of it all, being genuine is about being true to oneself. It’s about embracing our flaws, owning our stories, and showing up as ourselves in every moment.

This might not always be easy. After all, we’re all human, and we all have our insecurities. But the journey towards authenticity is one that’s worth taking.

As renowned psychoanalyst Carl Jung once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

And perhaps that’s the most important thing to remember when we’re trying to discern the genuine from the inauthentic.

As you move forward, let this exploration serve as a guide. Not to judge others, but to understand them better. And most importantly, to reflect on your own authenticity and how you show up in the world.