Internet
future faking
What does future faking mean?
Used to call out empty hype about plans that never materialise.
"Stop future faking and actually book the holiday you keep mentioning."
Origin
A term from psychology and relationship-abuse literature describing manipulation through false promises. It crossed over to Gen-Z dating slang via therapy-influencer and TikTok content in the early 2020s.
Frequently asked questions
What does future faking mean in dating?
It's when someone makes big promises about a shared future, like marriage or moving in, with no intention of following through, purely to keep you emotionally invested.
Is future faking the same as lying?
It's a specific kind of lying aimed at the future, often used as manipulation. It's especially harmful because it weaponises your hopes.
How do you spot future faking?
Look for a gap between words and actions; future fakers talk big about plans but never take concrete steps toward them.
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