If you use these 10 phrases in a conversation, people will think you’re being fake

Ever had a chat with someone and something just doesn’t sit right? It can throw a spanner in the works of the whole conversation.
Believe it or not, it’s often not about what’s being said, but how it’s being said. Because, let’s face it, words matter – they can either make us come across as genuine or, well… quite the opposite.
So, let’s get down to it. Here are 10 phrases that might unintentionally give off that ‘fake’ vibe.
Grab a cuppa and let’s dive in – you might be surprised at what you discover!
Certainly, here it goes:
1. “Trust me”
When you’re having a chat with someone and they say “trust me”, it might feel like a red flag going up. Why? Because trust is something that we earn through actions, not words.
So, if you’re asking for trust rather than letting it build naturally, people might see it as a sign that you’re not being completely genuine. It’s better to let your actions speak louder than your words and allow trust to form naturally over time.
2. “To be honest”
Ever found yourself saying “to be honest” or “honestly”? It might seem like you’re just reinforcing your sincerity, but sometimes it can have the opposite effect. People might wonder, “Were they not being honest before?”
So, instead of using these phrases, just say what you need to say. Your honesty will come across through your words and actions, no need for a disclaimer!
Absolutely, here’s the next one:
3. “I don’t usually do this, but…”
This phrase often precedes an action or statement that is out of character or a request that you may feel uncomfortable with. It can make people question your motives, wondering if you’re being deceptive or manipulative.
I remember once I told a friend, “I don’t usually lend money, but…” before offering to help them out financially. Later on, they confessed that the phrase made them feel like I was trying to portray myself as a saint, making the gesture less genuine.
So it’s a good idea to skip this phrase and just go straight into your action or request.
4. “No offense, but…”
When this phrase is thrown into a conversation, it’s usually followed by something that is, well, offensive. It’s as if saying “no offense” gives a free pass to say something rude or hurtful.
However, prefacing negative feedback with phrases like “Don’t take this the wrong way…” or “No offense, but…” doesn’t actually soften the blow – it just makes the speaker seem less likable. It’s better to be direct and respectful without using these negating phrases.
5. “I hate to be the one to tell you this, but…”
This phrase is often used when delivering bad news or criticism.
While it may seem like a way of showing empathy, it can come across as insincere. It’s as if the speaker is distancing themselves from the negative news they’re about to deliver. Instead, approach these situations with genuine empathy and care. It’s tough to hear hard truths, but knowing they’re coming from a place of love and concern can make all the difference in the world.
Be kind, be honest, and most importantly, be genuine.
6. “Just saying”
This is a phrase I’ve caught myself using more times than I’d like to admit. “Just saying” is often tacked onto the end of a statement that might be controversial or critical, almost like a safety net to fall back on in case the comment doesn’t land well.
However, I’ve learned that it can make you seem less confident in your opinions and even a bit insincere. If you believe in what you’re saying, there’s no need for a disclaimer. Stand by your words with confidence and sincerity.
7. “You won’t believe this but…”
Let’s get real for a second. We’ve all been guilty of using this phrase to build up a story or piece of gossip. But the truth is, it can make people instantly skeptical. It’s as if you’re prepping them to doubt what you’re about to say.
So, save this phrase for the truly unbelievable moments in life. Otherwise, just tell your story. If it’s worth telling, it’ll hold up on its own without the need for a dramatic intro.
8. “I’m just kidding”
This phrase can come off as insincere when it’s used to backtrack on a statement that was initially meant to be serious.
Using humor as a way to disguise criticism or negative feedback can actually damage relationships rather than protect them. It’s better to be direct and honest with your thoughts and feelings, rather than hiding behind a veil of humor.
9. “I probably shouldn’t say this, but…”
I’ve found myself saying this when I’m about to share a secret or divulge a piece of information that’s not mine to share. As soon as it’s out of my mouth, I realize that it only makes me seem untrustworthy.
If you’ve promised to keep something secret, keep that promise. And if you feel like what you’re about to say might hurt someone’s feelings or break their trust, it’s probably better left unsaid.
It’s all about respecting boundaries and maintaining trust.
10. “It’s not about the money”
This one’s a classic. When people say, “it’s not about the money,” chances are, it’s about the money.
While it’s understandable that we sometimes want to downplay financial motives, this phrase can make you seem disingenuous. It’s okay to admit that financial factors play a role in our decisions.
We all have bills to pay and goals to save for.