Some people are genuinely good humans. They say what they mean and they mean what they say – in a good way!

But not everyone is like this. Some people seem nice and innocent on the surface, but deep down, they’ve always got an ulterior motive.

Nothing they do is really genuine or to help others. They always gain from it or have a plan to make sure they get something in return at some point in the future!

With these kinds of people, there will always be cracks in their “nice” behavior that give them away.

If someone seems innocent but is highly calculating underneath, they’ll usually display these 8 behaviors – so watch out!

1) They get along with everyone

Sure, some people are just easy-going and get along with most people. But few genuine people live their lives without making a few enemies. You can’t please everyone in life, no matter what you do – even if you’re a chronic people pleaser!

So when someone seems to get along with absolutely everyone, maybe watch them a little closer. No one is that nice all the time and their “nice” behavior may be more calculating than you think…

2) They’re always the victim

No matter what story they tell, a calculating person is ALWAYS the victim. It’s always the case that someone else has done something bad to them.

There’s never a different side to the story told or an insinuation that maybe they could’ve done something differently, too.

Whoever it is that’s disgruntled them, whether it’s their boss, girlfriend, parent, or friend, they play the victim card. It’s how they always manage to get people on their side and feeling sorry for them. When really, things aren’t what they seem…

3) They don’t like not getting their way

I used to work with a guy who would be great to work with – easy-going and a right laugh, in honesty. Until something didn’t go to plan. Then, he became the worst person on Earth, pointing the finger at whoever seemed like an easy target!

When someone kicks up that much of a fuss over not getting their own way, it’s probably because they’ve been manipulating the situation all along.

They’ve been plotting and plotting to make things go the way they want. When things start falling apart, it triggers their calculating side and they flip like a switch…

4) They have a short fuse

Calculating people may seem calm on the surface, but it’s all an illusion! When the pressure falls down on them, they crumble in the worst kind of way. Even the smallest of inconveniences cause them to lash out.

Genuinely nice people don’t have anger issues like this. They work brilliantly under pressure and never look for someone to blame or take their anger out on – not even when things get really stressful.

5) They always have an excuse

Another thing about calculating people is they always have an excuse! When they lash out at someone because of something minor, they’re quick to cover up their poor behavior with a “reasonable” excuse.

They might even apologize and self-deprecate, saying things like, “I’m such a terrible person” or “I don’t deserve to have good things after what I’ve done”.

Sadly, this is all an act designed to make you feel sorry for them, once again! It’s a go-to manipulation tactic of theirs, so be careful not to fall for it.

6) They aren’t there for you when you need them

You know those people who say, “Let me know if you need anything!” or “I’m always here for you” when you’re going through something, but then when you actually need help, they disappear into thin air?

Well, the sad truth is that this is all just a performance – and you’re their main target! Of course, some people have a genuine excuse for not being there for you.

But others only make these kinds of offers to put on a show. Saying things like this feeds their ego and makes them FEEL like a good person, without them actually having to BE a good person.

7) They only offer to help when it benefits them

OK so someone does actually help you with things sometimes, but you’ve noticed something. They only ever lend a hand when THEY have something to gain from it.

Like if you’re working on a big project. They’ll involve themselves in it when things start looking up so they can get the credit from your boss as well as you.

Even small gestures, like accompanying you to the bar to help carry your drinks, have an ulterior motive. I.e., they want to ask you something, gain intel from you, or even ponce a drink!

8) They get jealous easily

Jealousy is poison. Sure, sometimes it’s OK. Like when you’re in a healthy relationship, a little bit of jealousy is a sign you genuinely care about each other! But too much jealousy or the wrong kind is simply toxic.

I had a friend like this. She seemed nice, but as soon as something in your life started going well, her jealousy would kick in.

She’d stop meeting up with you or asking you about your life. She’d openly say how jealous she was of you, even asking you to stop talking because she was “getting too jealous”!

Her behavior would slowly escalate, too – like turning other friends against you, spreading lies to damage your reputation, and even sabotaging your relationships.

When someone starts showing signs of jealousy to your face like this – watch out. Their behavior may be even more sinister behind the scenes!

Final thoughts

Manipulative people are good at what they do, so spotting them isn’t easy! Falling for their fake niceties is something we all do at some point in our lives.

But the more you know, the better you can protect yourself against fake-nice people – especially those who are cunning and calculating, and only want to drag you down!

The next time you spot any of these behaviors in someone you know, take note, keep your distance, and stay alert. They might not be as trustworthy as they seem!