Being in an unhealthy and fake relationship is one of the worst and most painful relationships anyone can get into. First of all, we need to understand what a fake relationship is. It is very difficult to distinguish the signs of a fake relationship from a real one.

Many of us live under the illusion of having a long-term relationship when in reality what we are experiencing is just an affair. Real relationships indeed take a lot of effort to maintain, but they are better than fake ones.

There are many things to consider when you are in a “real relationship” because there are a lot of people out there who can trick us into thinking they are attached to us but what they are seeking may be just sex or just passing time.

We must learn to differentiate between the people who mean it when they say they love us and those who don’t.

6 Signs Of A Fake Relationship

The following are the things that you need to keep a lookout for to find out if your partner is fooling you:

1. Excessive PDA.
   It may seem that a couple who is very nice to each other in public may share a very loving relationship in private. This may not always be the case.

Although the PDA is fairly fine, excessive display of emotion can indicate compensatory behavior. It is a way to maintain the illusion of a love affair in front of others and themselves.

This is not a very rare event. Many couples who don’t share a very good bond often feel the need to cover it up by showing their affection.

Appearances can be very misleading. So, the next time you see a happy couple holding each other’s hands, it may not necessarily mean that they are in love.

Related: What Is Obsessive Love Disorder: Signs, Causes, And How To Cope

2. There are no special moments.
   Being in a relationship with someone you love gives you a completely different feeling. If you don’t find anything unusual in your relationship, it’s best not to be in a relationship at all.

This doesn’t mean it has to be a party or something big, but you should at least find fun in the little things like a memory of the two of you together that makes you happy, or calling each other nicknames.

Love doesn’t mean when your relationship seems “normal” all the time. There must be something you can derive excitement from.

3. There are no serious discussions.
   Communication is a very essential part of a relationship. You and your partner should feel free to open up to each other and should be able to discuss matters of the heart.

Communication doesn’t just mean talking about the weather and other unimportant things, you need to be able to talk about serious and important issues as well. Couples who love each other talk about plans, having children, places to travel, etc.

It should also be kept in mind that arguments and fights are also part of an honest relationship. While discussing serious matters, arguments are bound to occur, and also remember that they will be resolved at the end of the day. But if you haven’t discussed anything with your partner that interests you, you will likely re-evaluate your relationship.

Related: The 10 Types of Toxic Relationships You Should Avoid At All Costs

4. It is a power game.
   When your relationship becomes all about winning an argument, you may not be in a “real relationship” after all.

In a situation where your only concern is to get your point right, you put your ego on your partner’s feelings.

Although arguments are a huge part of every relationship, sometimes one partner has to step aside to end the fight even if the other is wrong.

Because being in a relationship doesn’t always mean being right, it’s about giving space, compromise, and nurturing. Instead, the necessary time should be given to the partner so that one realizes his mistakes in the future.

5. You don’t know much about each other.
   If you share a sincere bond with your partner, you will be eager to know your partner’s family and friends. If you want a future together, you will be interested to know those close to your partner.

It’s only when the relationship doesn’t matter to you and you know it probably won’t last long enough. It could be a fake relationship when you or your partner don’t show much interest in getting to know each other’s friends and family. It is applicable in case your partner is also present. It can only mean that he doesn’t want to get involved with you too much and does not introduce you to his parents or friends.

Related: 8 Evasion Tactics Narcissists Use To Stop You From Questioning Them

6. Sex is the only thing that keeps you two together.
   You have great sex but nothing else gives you that much excitement out of this relationship. Being physical is the only way you guys can keep yourself together.

If you can’t find true trust, passion, care, etc. in the relationship, likely, you are not attached. Many men nowadays get into relationships just to get into bed.

At first, he might flirt with you, and make you feel like you’re the center of his universe but in reality, all they want is to put themselves down.

But it is clear that not all men are like that and some people are really honest and sincere.