11 phrases that put fake people in their place

Protecting your energy and developing a strong inner circle revolves around healthy boundaries. How much respect are you willing to demand? What energy or language will you not tolerate? It all starts with recognizing patterns of bad or narcissistic behavior and then validating your expectations.

Luckily, there are several ways to spot the fake people in your life, who tend to be self-serving, insecure, and sometimes narcissistic. Study “Personality and Individual Differences”. By using phrases that put fake people in their place, you can strengthen important boundaries, boost your self-esteem, and protect yourself from their negative energy.

Here are 11 phrases that will put fake people in their place.

1. “Can you repeat that?”

Two women argue with each other on the porch. MDV Edwards | Shutterstock.com

operating room from a place of inner uncertaintyfake people often don’t respond or repeat things they know are incredibly hurtful or offensive if there’s a crowd around. They are more concerned with externally acknowledging and asserting their superiority by putting others down to defend their position due to toxic comments.

Ask them to repeat those comments, even if it’s just passive condescension. Not only are you taking away their misguided power over a conversation that should be balanced and productive, you are reminding them of their humanity and ability to stand up for themselves.

2. “Did you want to seem condescending?”

A woman looks irritated while talking to a friend. Antonio Guillem | Shutterstock.com

A time-tested way to protect yourself from phony people and put them in their place is to remind them of the respect you expect in every conversation. There will be fake people take advantage of the people around youeven with something as simple as a self-preserving hurtful comment that they know they won’t be called out on.

Don’t be the person who sits with these comments and their negative energy, ignoring your own emotions in order to “keep the peace.” Instead, assert your boundaries, give them the opportunity to apologize or rephrase their comment, and demand the respect you deserve.

3. “You seem upset about something.”

The blonde looks sad while talking to the man. Sintex | Shutterstock.com

According to injury coach Manya Wakefieldfake people, especially those with narcissistic tendencies, tend to deflect blame and become victims when they are “called out” for hurtful comments and behavior. Instead of falling into the trap of defensivenessConsider getting it out of the way in conversation first by addressing their hostility with a simple phrase like, “You seem upset about something.”

Is there actually something they are upset about, or are they emitting negative energy from a toxic, selfish, or malicious source? Remind them that you have the ability to notice their negative energy and behavior, call them out, and humanize yourself in the face of their falseness.

4. “Don’t talk to me like that.”

The woman turned away and extended her hand to her friend. Prostok-studio | Shutterstock.com

Creating space and accepting solitude as peace can be incredibly useful practices for people who have toxic relationships with fake people. Like many other phrases that put fake people in their place, they tend to rely on confrontation or direct communication to “bring out” negative comments and behavior, but this phrase can be more passive.

You can take a seat, walk away, and refuse to engage with someone when they are negative towards you. According to scientists, fake people and fake relationships can leave deep scars on our hearts and the world. motivational speaker and author Liana Holliday Willeyso don’t let their guilt over removing yourself stop you from carving out that intentional space just for yourself.

5. “Can we find common ground without insults?”

A woman looks irritated while talking on the phone and looking at her laptop. Fizkes | Shutterstock.com

While it may seem impossible to some, especially those currently in a toxic relationship or friendship, you have control over creating the reality you dream of. Whether your friends disappoint you, your partner relies on hurtful comments to assert dominance, or you constantly encounter fake people in your life, you have an opportunity to find peace again.

It all starts with self-esteem and confidence. Practice practices that ensure your own identity, emotional health, and well-being so that you can approach these harmful conversations with strong expectations about the behavior you tolerate.

Everyone strives find common experiences and interests each other, so finding common ground can be helpful. But remember to also respect those boundaries and expectations, never sacrificing respect for a misguided connection.

6. “No”

The man looks upset while talking on the phone. Prostok-studio | Shutterstock.com

Think about fake friends and relationships that tend to take advantage of your kindness or empathy. using this simple statement to set a boundary. You will not tolerate disrespect, you will not be taken advantage of, and you will not continue to celebrate the negative energy and mood swings of a fake person. Remember: “no” is a complete sentence.

According to psychologist Dr. Sabrina RomanoffIt’s important to use these types of boundaries with fake people, especially if your relationship with them started out as seemingly healthy and happy. As their behavior becomes increasingly toxic and their actions negatively impact our lives, reminding them (and yourself) of what you are willing to tolerate can protect you from unpleasant and hurtful experiences.

7. “A true friend wouldn’t say anything that hurtful.”

Mother consoles upset younger daughter on the sofa. DimaBerlin | Shutterstock.com

While setting boundaries and “protecting your world” seem like grandiose practices that require a lot of thought, energy, and time to establish in your relationships, the truth is that you can stop toxic behavior from fake friends and partners in the moment. Don’t be afraid to criticize their behavior and refuse to apologize for hurtful public humiliation.

According to clinical psychologist and author Alice Boyce, Ph.D.Self-compassion and empathy in life can take you far, especially when it comes to protecting your emotional health in the face of relationship problems and conflict. Instead of meeting other people’s demands and needs, you work to achieve a level of self-confidence that motivates you to set your boundaries better.

8. “That’s how I feel.”

Two young people are seriously discussing each other. Movies about motors | Shutterstock.com

Some people prefer a clean cut with a toxic friendtaking time to heal from them and protecting their energy without distractions or the temptation of conflict. However, if you’ve just begun to recognize some toxic traits in a potentially fake person, especially one with whom you’re already in a relationship, consider sharing your emotions in the moment.

It may help to express your emotions about hurtful behavior or comments, rather than ignoring or pushing them away. This may not help them continue to shift blame and may lead to some defensiveness, but at least you were able to communicate your feelings and express it.

Like life coach Laura K. Connell suggestsToxic people can encourage us to shut down and block out open and honest communication – don’t let this energy influence you.

9. “This doesn’t seem productive to me right now.”

An elderly woman looks irritably at her adult daughter. Fizkes | Shutterstock.com

Many fake people cause conflicts and disagreements. only to later become a victim. If you feel like your kindness is being taken advantage of or you’re constantly battling a fake person in your life, take a step back. Remove yourself from the situation, remind them that you are only interested in productive and honest conversations, and give them a chance to calm down on their own terms.

When you are confident, confident, and have high standards for yourself and your relationships, there is nothing for fake people to latch on to. Let them figure out a different way to defend their mistaken superiority.

10. “You bring out the worst version of me.”

Two young women look upset while sitting on a sofa together. Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock.com

Sometimes honesty is the best policy, even in relationships that you know are destined to fail. Friends should always bring out the best in you, at least in everyday life. If you feel endlessly resentful, defensive and insecure around someone, the problem is probably not youbut the unhealthy dynamic you both brought into the relationship.

If your friends are looking for an explanation for why you need space (something you don’t have to give but can help meet expectations), use a phrase like, “You’re bringing out the worst version of me.” Not only does it help you clear up misunderstandings in your relationship that can start over and resolve conflicts, but it also sets the tone for the breakup.

You take care of yourself first, and if that means ending a friendship or relationship in the name of healing, then so be it.

11. “It was unkind.”

Two young women are walking and talking, looking upset. MAYA LAB | Shutterstock.com

While it’s possible that someone’s negative energy has become second nature to them and they don’t really realize that it’s hurting others, many fake people feel better when they put other people down. It’s an intentional choice they make in every conversation.

By calling out their behavior and reaffirming boundaries of respect, you can break the habit—intentionally or not—and remind them that you expect certain behaviors in your relationship. Like explains life coach Patricia BonnarProtecting yourself from negative energy not only affects your self-esteem and relationships, but also your physical and mental health.

Zaida Slabbekoorn is a news and entertainment columnist at YourTango, specializing in health and wellness, social policy and human interest stories.