For the most part, dating can be an exhilarating and enjoyable adventure, filled with the excitement of new connections and the promise of future possibilities. However, it can also be a minefield of emotional pitfalls and avoidable dating trends – one of the most deceptive being future faking.
The term, which has gained popularity in the dating world in recent years, refers to the actions of one partner making grand promises about the future to create a false sense of security and investment in the relationship, without any real intention of following through. But, when you’re in the initial stages of getting to know somebody, how can you be sure their actions are genuine?
Whether you are brand new to the dating world or been navigating it for a while, understanding and recognising the signs of future faking is crucial to the success of your goal of meeting a long-term, committed partner.
So, what is future faking?
Future faking involves the action of making huge promises or speaking extensively about the future of a relationship in order to manipulate and secure a partner’s commitment. The tactic is often used by individuals who are either unsure of their own intentions or who seek to control the dynamic of the relationship and can manifest itself in various forms. Whether you’re talking about moving in together, planning far-off vacations, discussing marriage, or even naming potential future children, if these conversations are happening within a brief period of dating, there’s a chance that they could be signs of future faking.
The emotional impact
While in the beginning it may create a euphoric sense of connection and excitement, as time passes, and the promises remain unfulfilled the deceived partner can experience confusion, insecurity, and deep hurt. This emotional impact can lead to a significant loss of trust and self-esteem, making it even more challenging for them to navigate future relationships.
But how do you recognise the signs?
Recognising future faking can be tricky, especially when you’re caught up in the whirlwind of a new romance. However, there are some common red flags that you can watch out for:
- Rapid advancement: if your partner is pushing for you to take the next step in your relationship, like moving in together or talking about long-term plans incredibly early on, then proceed with caution. The quick progression in a relatively brief time frame could be a sign of future faking.
- Inconsistency: pay close attention to whether your partner’s actions align with their goals. When you’re together, do they talk about what the future will look like or how they plan to do certain things like a proposal or moving close-by, but make no concrete steps towards it? If the answer is yes, it may be time to look a little closer as to whether their words are genuine.
- Too good to be true: we all know when it comes to buying something, if the offer seems too good to be true it quite often is. But why when it comes to relationships do we gloss over that fact? If the promises seem excessively idealistic or too perfect, it might be a case of future faking.
How to protect yourself
When it comes to the early days of a relationship, it can be easy to get swept up in the moment. After all, you’ve had several dates, the chemistry is there and you have a deep connection, but it’s important to not let your heart run away with you. Here are some top tips to safeguard you from the possibility of future faking in your new relationship:
- Take your time: allow relationships to develop naturally without rushing into major commitments. Part of the fun of dating is in those initial stages where you’re getting to know each other and enjoying each other’s company without the pressure of knowing where it is heading.
- Observe actions: we’ve all heard the age-old saying that “actions speak louder than words,” and dating is no different. Trust their actions over the words that they say. Consistent behaviour is a far better predictor of a person’s true intentions than lavish promises.
- Communicate openly: foster open communication about your expectations and concerns in your relationship. A genuine partner will respect your need for clarity and transparency about how they’re feeling and where the relationship is going.
- Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Your intuition is a powerful tool when it comes to recognising manipulation, so if something doesn’t feel right in your gut, mention it, and remember the above point when it comes to the response.
If you are a victim of future faking, it can tarnish your dating journey and have a deep emotional impact on not only that relationship but also future relationships that you enter into. But, by being aware of it and being able to recognise the signs will go a long way in protecting you and empowering you to navigate the dating world with greater discernment.
Enlisting the help of a matchmaker can provide an added layer of security and expertise in your dating journey, helping you find a genuine, committed partner. Everybody that they introduce you to will have been ID-checked and interviewed to ensure that they are who they say they are and that their intentions are genuine when it comes to finding a partner.
The key thing to remember is, the foundation of any successful relationship is built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect – qualities that no amount of future faking can replicate.
At Ignite Dating, your dedicated matchmaker is with you every step of the way, working with you to understand what is important to you in a partner and to make sure your dating journey is as streamlined and enjoyable as possible. They are on hand to help you navigate the trickier parts of dating, so you can relax every time you meet somebody new. Get in touch with our team of expert matchmakers today to find out how we can help you on your dating journey.
