We all want to believe that the people we spend time with genuinely enjoy our company. But sometimes, the reality is different, and they’re just too polite to say it. Picking up on subtle clues can reveal when someone isn’t as invested as you think. From how they engage in conversation to their overall behavior, here are 17 signs that someone might be pretending to like you but secretly doesn’t.
1. They’re Always “Busy” with Something Else
Everyone’s got a lot going on, but if they’re always too busy to make time for you, it’s probably not just their schedule. When someone constantly has excuses or says they’re too swamped, it might be a subtle way of saying they’re not that eager to hang out.
2. The Conversation Stays on the Surface
If your chats never go deeper than the basics—small talk about the weather or quick work updates—it’s a sign they’re not interested in connecting on a deeper level. When someone is into spending time with you, they’ll dive into more meaningful topics. If that’s not happening, they might be keeping things light because they’re not that invested.
3. They Don’t Show Interest in Your Life
If you’re always the one sharing stories and they never ask about your life, it’s a bit of a red flag. People who genuinely enjoy your company will be curious about you. They’ll ask questions and want to hear more. If it’s a one-sided conversation, they’re not putting in the effort to get to know you better.
4. They’re Always Distracted During Your Time Together
Do you find them checking their phone, glancing around, or looking bored when you’re mid-conversation? When someone enjoys your company, they’ll be focused on you and nothing else. If they’re distracted and not paying attention, it’s a sign that they’d rather be somewhere else.
5. They Don’t Follow Up After You Hang Out
If you’ve hung out and they don’t reach out afterward, that’s a pretty clear sign. When someone genuinely had a good time, they’ll usually send a quick message or mention something from your time together. Silence after hanging out says they’re not thinking about the next time or reminiscing about the time you spent together.
6. They Give Short, Minimal Responses
If their replies are always short and don’t invite further conversation, that’s a sign they’re not invested. Dead-end answers like “Yeah,” “Sure,” or “I guess” show they’re not trying to keep the conversation alive. People who want to be around you will engage and contribute to the dialogue.
7. They Don’t Suggest Making Future Plans
When you’re wrapping up a hangout and they don’t mention getting together again, it’s a clue they might not be your biggest fan. People who had fun and want to spend more time with you will naturally say something about future plans. If they keep things vague or don’t follow up, they’re probably not excited to hang out again.
8. They Seem Physically Distant
Pay attention to how they position themselves. If they’re sitting far away, leaning back, or avoiding eye contact, it’s a sign they’re not fully engaged. When people like being around you, they naturally lean in and mirror your body language. Keeping physical distance can show that they’re not entirely comfortable or invested in the interaction.
9. They Forget Details About You
When someone enjoys your company, they’ll remember the little things. If they’re constantly forgetting important details like your birthday, your job, or something personal you mentioned, it shows a lack of genuine interest. It’s a sign they’re not paying attention or making an effort to stay connected.
10. They Seem Bored When You’re Talking
Do their eyes glaze over, or do they give you a lot of “uh-huhs” without actually engaging? That’s a sign they’re checked out. When someone enjoys your company, they’ll be interested in what you have to say and respond with more than just placeholders. If it feels like you’re talking to a wall, they’re probably not that into spending time with you.
11. They’re Quick to Leave
Do they seem to always be watching the clock, hinting that they have other plans, or rushing to wrap things up? If someone is truly enjoying themselves, they won’t be counting the minutes until they can leave. When they’re in a rush to go, it’s a sign that being with you might not be at the top of their list.
12. They Don’t Laugh at Your Jokes
You don’t need to be a comedian, but if they never crack a smile or seem forced when they laugh, it’s not a great sign. People who enjoy your company will share in your humor and laugh at your jokes, even if they’re cheesy. If they’re not laughing, they’re probably not having a good time.
13. They’re Always “Tired” Around You
If someone always seems low-energy or drained when you’re together, it’s telling. When people like being with you, they’re usually a bit more engaged or at least comfortable. Constant yawning or acting like they’re just trying to make it through the hangout can mean they’re not as interested as you might hope.
14. They Keep the Conversation Superficial
When the conversation never goes beyond surface-level topics, it’s a sign they’re not invested in building a deeper connection. Meaningful conversations show interest and trust. If everything stays at “How’s work?” and “Nice weather,” they might not be ready—or willing—to connect on a deeper level.
15. They Never Make the First Move
If you’re always the one reaching out to make plans, that’s a pretty big hint that the friendship is one-sided. People who genuinely enjoy your company will sometimes take the initiative, even if it’s just a text or a casual invite. If you find yourself always being the one to reach out first, it’s worth considering why they’re never the one to start the conversation or make plans.
16. They Don’t Ask Follow-Up Questions
Conversations are a two-way street. If you’re sharing details about your life and they don’t ask follow-up questions or show interest, it’s a sign they’re not that curious about getting to know you. People who enjoy your company will want to learn more and dig deeper into what you’re saying.
17. They Don’t Acknowledge Your Wins
If you share good news or achievements and their response is lukewarm or dismissive, that’s a subtle clue. Someone who enjoys being around you will celebrate your wins and be genuinely happy for you. If they’re not giving you that positive reaction, they might not be as invested as you’d like.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
