Superficial people often display these 10 “fake nice” behaviors

Ever met someone who seems super nice, but you can’t shake off the feeling that it’s all just an act?

That’s what we call a “fake nice” person. Surprise, surprise, they’re more common than you’d think!

These guys are all about looking good rather than making real connections. They put up a nice front, but it’s as thin as a sheet of paper.

So, are you ready to spot these “fake nice” folks from a mile away?

Buckle up and let’s dive into the top 10 signs that someone might be putting on a “nice” act.

1. They’re a little too nice…all the time

First up on our list is a classic sign – being overly nice.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s great to be around pleasant people.

But have you ever met someone who seems to be in a perpetually good mood?

They’re always smiling, always complimenting, and it feels like they’ve never had a bad day in their life.

News flash – that’s not normal! Everyone has off days, everyone gets grumpy or upset sometimes. It’s part of being human.

So if someone’s always sporting a pep-in-their-step and an ever-ready compliment at the tip of their tongue, you might want to look a little closer.

Their niceness could be more about creating an image than genuine kindness.

2. They agree with everyone and everything

Ever notice how some people agree with just about everything you say?

It’s like you could tell them the sky is green and they’d nod along enthusiastically.

While it can feel good to have someone validate our thoughts and ideas, “fake nice” people take this to another level.

These folks hate the idea of conflict or disagreement so much that they’ll agree with you, even when they don’t.

They’re essentially people-pleasers, always eager to keep the peace – even if it means sacrificing their own opinions or beliefs.

So next time you’re in a conversation with someone who seems to agree a little too much, take a step back.

It might just be their way of keeping things smooth on the surface while hiding their true feelings.

3. They’re always fishing for compliments

This one hits a little closer to home for me. I once knew a person who was always looking for a pat on the back.

Let’s call her Jane. Now, Jane was nice, very nice. She’d always do these grand gestures that seemed super thoughtful.

Once, she even organized a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend of ours.

But here’s the catch – after every good deed, she’d subtly hint at how much effort she put in or how hard it was to pull off.

It became clear that she wasn’t doing these things out of the kindness of her heart but for the praise and recognition that followed.

If you notice someone constantly seeking validation or approval for their actions, be wary. Genuine kindness doesn’t need an audience or applause.

4. They always steer the conversation back to themselves

“Fake nice” people have a knack for turning every conversation into a monologue about their life.

You could be talking about the weather, and somehow they’ll find a way to steer it back to their recent vacation or their new coat.

While it’s natural to share personal experiences in a conversation, excessive self-focus can be a red flag.

Genuine conversations are an exchange – not just one person dominating the conversation.

So next time you’re chatting with someone and you notice they’re talking more about themselves than anything else, remember this little fact.

It might just be a sign that their niceness isn’t all that it seems.

5. They have a habit of dropping friends

Friendship is a beautiful bond, it’s about sticking together through thick and thin, right?

But have you ever met someone who seems to change friends as often as they change clothes?

One day, they’re inseparable with someone, and the next, they hardly know them. This is a classic sign of a “fake nice” person.

These individuals may come across as super friendly and warm in the beginning, but their relationships often lack depth and longevity.

The moment a friend no longer serves their purpose or disagrees with them, they’re ready to move on to the next person.

It’s heartbreaking to see friendships treated like disposable commodities. True friendship is about loyalty, trust, and mutual respect – not convenience.

6. They’re never really there for you

This one reminds me of a time in my life when I was going through a rough patch. I had a friend, let’s call him John.

John was always the life of the party, always smiling, always cracking jokes. He seemed so nice and friendly.

But when things got tough for me, John was nowhere to be found. I remember calling him one night, really needing someone to talk to.

He picked up, made an excuse about being busy, and promised to call me back – a call that never came.

That’s when I realized – “fake nice” people are often there for the good times, but rarely around for the bad.

They’re all about fun and positivity, and the moment things get serious or emotionally heavy, they’re out the door.

So be aware of those who are happy to share your victories but disappear during your struggles. True friends stick around through both sunshine and storm.

7. They’re masters of backhanded compliments

You know those compliments that leave you feeling a little… off?

Like someone just handed you a beautifully wrapped gift only to find a rotten apple inside.

That’s the specialty of “fake nice” people – the backhanded compliment.

It’s like they’ve got this twisted talent for making you feel bad while pretending to say something nice. “Oh, I love how you just wear anything,” or “You’re so brave for posting unfiltered pictures!”

Sound familiar?

These kind of comments can leave you questioning your worth and second-guessing yourself. And let’s be blunt here – it’s a crappy move.

A genuine person gives compliments to uplift others, not to knock them down a peg.

If someone in your life is dishing out these backhanded compliments, take note. Their niceness might be as fake as their praise.

8. They’re always in competition with you

“Fake nice” folks often treat life like it’s one big competition.

Whether it’s work, relationships, or even hobbies, they always want to one-up you.

Bought a new car? They’ll get a bigger one. Had a great vacation? They’ll have an even more exotic one to talk about.

While healthy competition can be motivating, constantly trying to outdo others is exhausting and can create unnecessary tension.

In its extreme form, this kind of rivalry can damage relationships and foster resentment.

So if someone in your circle seems to turn everything into a competition, remember this little fact.

Their constant need to ‘win’ could be hiding deeper insecurities.

9. They only show up when they need something

Let me tell you about a person I used to know. Let’s call her Emily. Emily was one of the nicest people you could meet – always smiling, always friendly.

But as time went on, I noticed a pattern.

Emily would only call or text when she needed a favor.

Whether it was help with moving, a ride to the airport, or someone to look after her dog, I was her go-to person.

But when I needed a favor in return, Emily was suddenly too busy or had other plans.

“Fake nice” people often use their charm and niceness as a tool to get what they want. They’re all sweet talks and smiles when they need something but are rarely available when you need them.

If you have an Emily in your life who only comes around when they need something, it might be time to reassess that relationship.

10. They’re all talk and no action

“Fake nice” people are often experts at making promises they have no intention of keeping.

They’ll promise to help you move, promise to be there for your big presentation, promise to catch up over coffee – but when the time comes, they’re nowhere to be found.

It’s easy to talk a big game, but actions speak louder than words.

True kindness and sincerity are shown through consistent actions, not empty promises.

If someone in your life is always full of big talks but rarely follows through, it might be time to question their authenticity.

Remember this – a genuine person’s words and actions align. They mean what they say and say what they mean.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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