People who pretend to be rich and successful but actually aren’t usually display these 7 behaviors

There’s a stark contrast between people who are genuinely rich and successful, and those who just pretend to be.

The difference? It’s all in the behavior.

Pretenders put on a show to create an illusion of wealth and success, hiding their true circumstances.

True success, however, doesn’t need to be flaunted. It speaks for itself.

In this piece, we’ll delve into the seven typical behaviors of those who only seem to be rich and successful. These behaviors reveal more than they hide, and once you know what to look for, you’ll see right through the facade.

So let’s pull back the curtain on these faux-success stories.

1) Living beyond their means

One hallmark of people pretending to be wealthy is living a lifestyle they can’t actually afford.

This is often seen in their spending habits. Expensive cars, designer clothes, lavish vacations – all bought on credit and all way beyond their means.

Real wealthy people, however, understand the importance of financial management. They know that true wealth is not about flashy displays but about financial security and growth.

Pretenders, on the other hand, are usually drowning in debt because they’re trying to maintain an image of success rather than building actual wealth.

So if you see someone who seems to be living too large for their income, chances are they’re not as successful as they want you to believe.

Remember, it’s not about the price tag of their possessions, but how comfortably they can afford them.

2) Constant need for validation

Another behavior I’ve observed in those pretending to be rich and successful is their constant need for validation.

I remember an acquaintance of mine, always posting photos of his “luxury” lifestyle on social media. Fancy cars, high-end restaurants, designer clothes – you name it. But behind the scenes, I knew he was struggling to make ends meet.

True successful people, I’ve found, don’t need to constantly shout about their accomplishments. They’re content with their achievements and don’t crave external validation.

But this acquaintance, he needed everyone to believe he was successful. It was more important for him to appear rich than to actually work towards financial stability.

So if you come across someone who constantly needs to prove their wealth or success, chances are they might be hiding insecurities about their actual financial situation.

3) Obsession with brand names

The logos of Gucci, Prada, or Louis Vuitton are often seen as symbols of wealth and success. But did you know that according to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, people who feel the need to flash brand names are often perceived as having a lower social status?

Those who pretend to be rich and successful often use high-end brands as a way to project an image of wealth. They believe that these brands will make them appear successful.

In contrast, genuinely wealthy people often value quality over brand names. They understand that a brand does not define their worth or success.

So, next time you see someone excessively flaunting designer labels, remember it may be more about their desire to appear wealthy, rather than an indication of their actual financial status.

4) Over-exaggeration of success

Have you ever met someone who always seems to be in the middle of a huge business deal or constantly talking about their next big venture? This over-exaggeration of success can often be a sign of someone pretending to be richer and more successful than they truly are.

In reality, success is not always about the next big thing. It’s about consistent growth, learning from failures, and making steady progress. True successful people understand this and usually keep their plans and achievements to themselves until they have something concrete to show.

People pretending to be rich, however, may feel the need to constantly talk up their success in order to maintain their facade. They believe that appearing busy or important equates to being successful.

So, if someone is always boasting about their upcoming success but never seems to have a result to show for it, it might be an act.

5) Neglecting meaningful relationships

In my life, I’ve noticed that those pretending to be rich often focus so much on creating an image of wealth that they neglect meaningful relationships.

I had a friend who was always networking, always trying to rub shoulders with the ‘right’ crowd. He was so focused on appearing successful that he began to ignore those who truly cared for him.

In contrast, truly successful people understand the value of genuine relationships. They know that success isn’t measured by the number of influential people they know, but by the quality of relationships they maintain.

This friend of mine eventually realized that pretending to be someone he wasn’t left him feeling lonely and unfulfilled. Genuine connections matter more than the illusion of wealth and success.

So when you see someone constantly chasing after new connections while neglecting their existing relationships, it might indicate they’re more interested in appearing successful than in actual success.

6) Fear of being found out

One of the most telling signs of someone pretending to be rich and successful is their fear of being exposed. They are often overly sensitive to criticism and go to great lengths to maintain their facade.

True success comes with confidence and security. It doesn’t fear scrutiny because it’s based on reality. Those who have achieved genuine wealth and success know who they are and what they have accomplished.

But for those pretending, the thought of their true situation being revealed can cause great anxiety. They may become defensive or evasive when asked about the details of their wealth or success.

So if you encounter someone who seems overly concerned about keeping up appearances or reacts strongly to questions about their success, it may be a sign that they’re not as rich or successful as they would like you to believe.

7) Lack of financial literacy

The most important sign that someone is pretending to be rich is a lack of financial literacy. True wealth comes from understanding how money works and how to use it to create more wealth.

Those who pretend often have a poor understanding of financial basics like budgeting, investing, and saving. They focus on spending to maintain their image rather than building real wealth.

So when someone seems more interested in spending money than understanding it, it’s likely they’re not as successful as they appear. Real wealth is about more than just appearances; it’s about financial stability and growth.

Final reflection: The illusion of success

The portrayal of wealth and success is often more about perception rather than reality. It’s a reflection of what society values, and sometimes, what individuals feel they need to project in order to be accepted or respected.

In the words of Seneca, the renowned Stoic philosopher, “He is richest who is content with the least, for contentment is the wealth of nature.”

True wealth and success aren’t about extravagant displays or constant validation. They’re about financial stability, personal growth, meaningful relationships, and, most importantly, contentment.

So, as we navigate our lives and interact with others, let’s strive for genuine success rather than falling for the illusion of wealth. Let’s be wary of the pretenders and understand that real success is not about appearances but substance.

The next time you encounter someone whose lifestyle seems too glamorous to be true, remember these seven behaviors. They might help you discern the real from the facade. After all, all that glitters is not gold.