When our closest friends are down, it can be hard to notice it sometimes, especially when they’re good at faking happiness.

But as their friend, you’re bound to notice that something about their joy seems off.

You just have this subtle inkling that they’re putting on a brave face, despite everything inside of them screaming otherwise.

Here’s how to recognize the signs that someone is merely feigning happiness, even if it shatters your perception of them.

1) They’re always on the go

Happiness is about balance.

It’s finding contentment in both the highs and the lows.

So when someone is constantly on the move, always engaged in activity after activity without taking a moment to breathe, they may actually be avoiding confronting their real feelings.

A constant rush might mean they’re running away from something rather than running towards it.

If this is the case, they’re likely only faking happiness.

2) They never have any down days

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m all for positivity.

But let’s be honest, we all have our down days.

There are times when life gets tough, and it’s natural to feel down.

But if someone’s perpetually cheerful, always wearing a broad smile no matter what life throws at them, it can make you wonder.

Is it genuine or is it a mask? A

re they truly always happy, or are they merely pretending to be?

It’s an exhausting facade to maintain, trust me, I’ve been there.

Genuine happiness isn’t about being joyful all the time.

It’s about acknowledging all of your emotions—good and bad—and still choosing to stay positive.

If they never show any signs of having down days, they might just be faking happiness.

3) They overcompensate on social media

I remember this one time when I was going through a bit of a tough phase.

Nothing seemed to be going right, but when I scrolled through my social media feeds, it felt like everyone else was living their best life.

There was this particular friend who was always posting about his amazing vacations, his perfect family, and his exciting job.

It was picture-perfect happiness.

But when I met him for coffee one day, the truth came out.

He said that he was struggling with depression and anxiety.

His life was far from perfect, but he felt compelled to project this image of constant happiness.

This taught me a valuable lesson: that social media is often a highlight reel and not an accurate reflection of someone’s life.

If someone is always showcasing an idyllic life on social media, they might be faking happiness.

4) They avoid deep conversations

Did you know that one of the hallmarks of genuine happiness is the ability to engage in meaningful conversations?

True happiness comes with a level of comfort in discussing not just the surface level joys but also the deeper, more complex emotions.

But let’s say you know someone who consistently steers clear of any serious discussions.

They prefer to keep conversations light and fluffy, always veering towards humor or changing the subject when things get a little too real.

This could be an indicator that they’re not as cheerful as they seem.

It might be their way of avoiding confrontation with their true feelings or emotions.

If they constantly dodge deep conversations, chances are, they’re just pretending to be happy.

5) They struggle to stay in the present

I’ve noticed that people who are genuinely happy tend to live in the present.

They enjoy the moment, they savor it.

They’re not constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

But then there are those who can’t seem to stay grounded in the now.

They’re always looking ahead, always planning, always thinking about what’s next.

Or maybe they’re stuck in the past, ruminating on things they can’t change.

People like these are likely using these distractions as a way to escape their current reality.

They’re so focused on everywhere but here that they miss out on the happiness that can be found right in front of them.

6) They’re quick to show off their happiness

In my experience, people who are genuinely content and happy don’t feel the need to constantly prove it to others.

Their happiness is not dependent on validation from others, it’s a state of being that they’re comfortable in.

However, there are those who seem to be in a constant rush to show off their happiness.

They’re quick to share every happy moment, every achievement, and every reason for their supposed joy.

It’s almost like they’re overcompensating.

It’s as if they’re always trying to convince others, and maybe even themselves, that they’re super happy.

They’re trying too hard to convince everyone that they’re happy.

And more often than not, this kind of behavior might indicate that they’re actually faking happiness.

Genuine happiness doesn’t need an audience, it simply is.

7) They seldom express gratitude

One thing I’ve observed about genuinely happy people is that they often express gratitude.

They’re thankful for the big things and the small things, the good times and the tough times.

They understand that happiness is just the grand gestures or big wins but also the smaller, everyday blessings.

On the other hand, you have individuals who hardly ever express gratitude.

They’re always waiting for something bigger and better, always chasing the next high.

They’re reluctant to appreciate what they have now because their eyes are always on what they don’t have.

This constant chase and inability to express gratitude for their present circumstances might be a sign that their happiness is not as genuine as it seems.

8) They can’t find joy in others’ happiness

For me, the ability to feel joy for others’ happiness is a key indicator of genuine happiness.

It’s a sign that you are content with your own life and can celebrate other people’s wins without feeling threatened or envious.

Some people struggle with this.

They find it hard to be genuinely happy for others.

They might even feel a sense of resentment or jealousy when they see someone else experiencing joy or success.

An inability to find joy in the happiness of others might be a sign that their own happiness is not as genuine as it seems.

If they can’t be happy for others, it could be a sign that they’re only faking their own happiness.

After all, true happiness is not a competition, but a shared journey.

Final thoughts

We all, at some point, put on a brave face when things get tough.

The crucial thing is to realize that pretending to be happy is not the path to actual happiness.

Contrary to what society often promotes, there’s strength in vulnerability and authenticity.

If you notice these patterns in someone else, approach them with empathy and understanding.

You can’t force someone to admit they’re not genuinely happy, but you can offer a safe space for them to share their true feelings.

And if you see these signs in yourself, take it as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

It’s the first step towards a more genuine state of happiness.

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. Whether from friends, family, or professional resources, support is available.