Ever been around a guy who throws out quotes like they’re handing out candy? He might think he sounds super deep, but most of the time, it’s just a bunch of empty words. These “fake-deep” phrases are designed to impress, but they end up sounding hollow. Here are a few red flags to watch out for.
1. “I’m an old soul.”
He wants you to think he’s wise beyond his years, but this often translates to being pretentious and dismissive of modern things he doesn’t understand. Does he secretly hate the internet and unironically use rotary phones? This phrase suggests a rigid perspective and an inability to appreciate the good in contemporary life.
You may also like: People Who Had Unhappy Childhoods Usually Develop These Traits
2. “I’m not like other guys.”
Oh, please. Any guy who says this is immediately setting off the BS alarm. What makes him so special? Chances are, he’s just trying to make himself seem unique and enlightened, but in reality, he’s probably just as basic as the rest of them. Don’t fall for this tired line.
Don’t miss out – follow Bolde for exclusive content daily
3. “I only date girls who are deep thinkers.”
Translation: he wants someone he can impress with his surface-level philosophizing. This suggests he’s more interested in seeming intellectual than having genuine, meaningful conversations. He’s probably got a few memorized quotes ready to go and expects you to be his captive, wide-eyed audience.
You may also like: How A Narcissist Acts When You Start Seeing Through Their BS
4. “I’m not on social media because I prefer real connections.”
This might sound noble, but it’s often just a cover for being out of touch or judgmental. Social media is a part of modern life, and there’s nothing inherently shallow about using it. A guy who looks down on social media users isn’t deep — he’s just a snob.
Don’t miss out – follow Bolde for exclusive content daily
5. “Society is a prison.”
His edgy cynicism might seem intriguing at first, but constant negativity gets old fast. It also suggests he blames society for his problems rather than taking personal responsibility. Living with this guy would mean endless rants and a whole lot of bad vibes.
You may also like: 15 Things To Keep To Yourself Because They’re Nobody’s Business But Yours
6. “Everything happens for a reason.” (especially when something bad happens)
This platitude dismisses real pain and suggests a lack of empathy. While there can be lessons in hardship, insensitive timing with this phrase is callous, not comforting. It’s okay to acknowledge when life just plain sucks sometimes!
Don’t miss out – follow Bolde for exclusive content daily
7. “I think I was born in the wrong era.”
Romanticizing the past often shows a lack of critical thinking. Every era has its hardships, and idealizing a time he never lived reveals a desire to escape the complexities of the present. Is he secretly longing for the days of corsets and rampant misogyny? Hard pass.
You may also like: How A Narcissist Acts When They Can’t Fool You Anymore
8. “Labels are limiting.”
He may use this when dodging commitment or refusing to define the relationship. While labels can be confining, a healthy connection requires some clarity. If he’s allergic to the words “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” it might be a sign he’s looking for something casual and non-exclusive.
Don’t miss out – follow Bolde for exclusive content daily
9. “Material things don’t matter.”
Often said by someone who’s insecure about not being able to provide. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying nice things as a product of hard work, and denying their appeal can feel disingenuous. This might also be a way to justify a lack of ambition or financial stability, which can be a deal-breaker for many.
You may also like: 16 Signs You Didn’t Get Enough Affection As A Child
10. “I’m too intense for most people.”
This translates to “I’m dramatic and difficult.” It frames his negative qualities as a sign of being special, making any criticism seem like you just don’t “get” him. Intensity can be attractive in moderation, but when it’s a constant state, it suggests unhealthy emotional patterns and an inability to manage his feelings.
Don’t miss out – follow Bolde for exclusive content daily
11. “I see things other people miss.”
Another attempt to appear superiorly perceptive. True depth comes from understanding different perspectives, not believing your own is the only valid one. This kind of statement highlights arrogance and a closed-minded attitude more than any profound insight.
You may also like: 18 Personality Traits Of An Unhappily Married Man
12. “Love is an illusion.”
Brooding cynicism is not the same as depth. This statement reveals a hardened heart – perhaps from past pain – but an inability to be open to future connections. Nobody wants to date an emotional fortress; vulnerability and a willingness to take another chance on love are far more appealing qualities.
Don’t miss out – follow Bolde for exclusive content daily
13. “I only listen to obscure indie bands.”
Music taste isn’t a measure of depth or intelligence. A guy who brags about his obscure music preferences is just trying to seem cultured and unique. But in reality, he’s probably just a music elitist who thinks his taste is superior to everyone else’s. Don’t be impressed by this shallow posturing.
You may also like: Don’t Share These 15 Things With Anyone – They’re Nobody’s Business But Yours
14. “I’m a tortured artist.”
Creativity and emotional depth are great qualities, but a guy who romanticizes his own angst and suffering is just self-indulgent. Real artists create because they have something to express, not because they want to cultivate a tortured persona. If a guy’s always going on about his tortured soul, he’s probably more interested in his own image than anything else.
Don’t miss out – follow Bolde for exclusive content daily
15. “I’m a lone wolf.”
This is just a way of saying, “I’m too cool and mysterious for normal relationships.” But being a loner doesn’t make someone deep or intriguing. It often just means they’re emotionally unavailable or have trouble connecting with others. Don’t fall for the brooding bad boy act.
Enjoy this piece? Give it a like and follow Bolde on MSN for more!