Ever told your partner “I love you” and got a half-smile or a cold “thanks” in return? That gut punch you felt wasn’t you being sensitive—it might have been your instincts picking up on something real. Because when someone fakes love, the cracks don’t stay hidden forever. They show up in the silences, the shrugs, and the subtle ways they pull back when you’re leaning in.
Let’s unpack the signs that your partner might be pretending to love you—because you deserve the real thing, not just a polished performance.

Public Affection, Private Indifference
Your partner posts the cutest couple selfies, always adds a heart emoji, and seems sweet… when others are around. But behind closed doors? They turn cold or distant. If they’re only affectionate when people are watching, that’s not intimacy—it’s image management.
Love shouldn’t have an “audience required” clause. If they’re more invested in curating your relationship for Instagram than actually building it with you, something’s off. The affection should flow when the cameras are off too, right?
Video: 8 Signs of Fake Love
Conversations Feel One-Sided or Forced

Talking to your partner shouldn’t feel like giving a TED Talk to a brick wall. But if you find yourself doing all the emotional heavy lifting—asking questions, telling stories, trying to connect—and they just mumble one-word answers or scroll through their phone, that’s a problem.
True love is curious. It listens. It laughs with you, not just at memes. If they check out every time you open up, they’re not emotionally invested—they’re emotionally unavailable.
They Try to Rebrand You

There’s a difference between helping your partner grow and trying to change who they are. If they constantly criticize your clothes, friends, opinions, or hobbies, that’s not love—it’s control in disguise.
Love accepts. Love uplifts. If they want you to be someone else, they don’t love the real you—they love their idea of you. And you weren’t born to be anyone’s project.
They Shut Down or Shift Blame in Every Conflict

Healthy couples argue. It’s not the fights—it’s how you fight that matters. If your partner refuses to talk things out, storms off, or flips the blame on you every time, that’s not maturity. It’s avoidance and deflection.
You can’t build a future with someone who won’t take responsibility or meet you halfway. If you’re always the one apologizing just to keep the peace, you’re carrying more than your share—and that’s not sustainable.
Video: 14 Differences between true love and fake love | animated video
You’re Always the Afterthought

They keep canceling plans, showing up late, or forgetting important dates. “Sorry, I got busy,” becomes their go-to excuse. But somehow, they always find time for their friends, gym, or favorite series.
If you feel like you’re constantly on the bottom of their to-do list, you probably are. And that’s not what love looks like. When someone values you, they make time. Period.
They Can’t Stop Talking About Their Ex

If their ex is still a recurring character in your relationship—whether it’s constant comparisons, unresolved drama, or nostalgic stories—it’s a glaring red flag. There’s a difference between having a past and still living in it.
And if they seem emotionally distant when you’re together—avoiding eye contact, brushing off affection—it might be because their heart is stuck somewhere else. You deserve someone who’s all in, not halfway out.
The Future? What Future?

You’ve been dating for a while, but every time you mention the future—vacations, meeting family, long-term plans—they dodge, joke, or change the subject. They may claim they “live in the moment,” but let’s be honest: real love gets excited about the future.
If they avoid making plans or shut down commitment talks, they might not see you in their next chapter. And if you’re not in their future, why stay in their present?
It’s All About Showing Off, Not Showing Up
Video:
20 Signs of Fake Love
Maybe they love taking you to fancy restaurants or gifting you expensive things—but can’t be bothered with heartfelt conversations or emotional support. It looks like love, but feels hollow.
Love isn’t measured in receipts. It’s in the small, consistent moments: listening when you’ve had a bad day, standing by you when things get messy, and choosing you again and again—not because you look good on their arm, but because you feel right in their soul.

Conclusion: Real Love Doesn’t Make You Wonder
Here’s the truth—if you keep questioning whether someone loves you, that’s your answer. Love isn’t supposed to be confusing or inconsistent. It’s not a mystery you have to solve or a performance you have to applaud. It’s steady. It’s kind. It shows up.
If your partner only shows affection when it’s convenient, only engages when they want something, or makes you feel small instead of seen, you owe it to yourself to step back. You deserve someone who doesn’t pretend to love you—but actually does.
Love should feel like home. If it doesn’t, it’s okay to walk away—and wait for the kind of love that doesn’t come with conditions