How to Deal With Fake PeopleContending with those who aren't as they seem can be annoyance. Here's how to power through.

ByRajan Thapaliya

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Dealing with fake people is not an easy task. If they're at your job, you must find a way to coexist with them in order to preserve your work value and performance. If they're in your personal life, you may never find a way to weed them out. Here are a few recommendations on how you can handle these fakers and still persevere.

Related:The Rise of Impostor Entrepreneurs

Keep a healthy distance

最好是不惜一切代价避免它们,但是如果你have no choice — such as at work — stay unattached from their antics when they're seeking to be in the spotlight.

Don't play into their follies

Let them have the floor. They are toxic and can be dangerous for your personal sanity.

Remember that it's never about you

Their actions have nothing to do with you. It is alwaysabout them and their desire to be noticed. But if they don't ruffle any feathers, they will probably just walk away (especially if you ignore them).

Stay above all the ruckus

Never stoop to their level — you may drown. Trust your own perception of the game they're playing and don't be an avatar. It's not your duty to fix them. When you give them attention, you provide validation.

Be honest

If nothing else works, be honest with them about how you think they're being fake and that you're not impressed. If their shenanigans are affecting you, tell them you will not stand by and let them continue to drag you into their machinations. Be prepared for them to try to turn it back on you; that's what they do. Stand your ground and refuse to be a part of the charade.

Be a friend

Or, you can take the above advice a step farther. If you think you might be able to reach them, ask them why they act the way they do, or if there is anything you can do to help them through their issues. If they deny that they need help or don't make any efforts to change their behavior, you're better off just moving on without them. Since you called them out on it, they will probably avoid you anyway.

Seek out help

If this person plays an important role in your life, you might want to get some professional advice on how to handle your own feelings about their behavior. Remember that no one can make you feel anything that you don't allow them to. You are responsible for your own feelings and actions.

Related:Here's Why You Should Not 'Fake It Till You Make It'

There are many ways to sort out fake people, and there are also many methods of dealing with them. The most successful way is never allowing this sort of person into your life. Trust your instincts when you meet someone who displays this sort of behavior — intuition is usually right.

Wavy Line
Rajan Thapaliya

Data Scientist

Rajan Thapaliya is a professor of data science. He teaches at Trine University & South College. He is passionate about reading, writing and trading. He is an IBM-certified data scientist and Google-certified data analyst.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

What Is a 'Lazy Girl Job'? New TikTok Trend Empowers Women to Work However They Want

The trend began as a way for women to find more free time during their days.

Growing a Business

3 Solutions That Help Alleviate Everyday Pressures Small Business Owners Face

We live in a world with increasing pressures from stakeholders, constantly changing customer expectations and volatile financial conditions — which for many, especially business owners — can make it hard to create clear distinctions between professional and personal emotions.

Business Ideas

The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023

Can't figure out which enterprise you should launch in 2023? Check out 10 stellar home business ideas to get inspiration.

Starting a Business

10 Common Obstacles to Avoid When Starting a Business

Starting a new business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common obstacles to avoid when starting a new business.

Business News

Gen Zers Are Bragging About Making Upwards of $3 Million as Amazon Sellers. Is It Really That Easy?

Before you start a business on the popular online marketplace, keep these three points in mind.