What is Future Faking?

Future faking, which has been redefined as future taking, is a manipulative tactic often employed by individuals with narcissistic tendencies. They present an unrealistic rosy vision of the future, promising pure love, admiration, and a lifelong journey together. However, these promises are designed to buy them time and exploit your desire for a perfect future. These hollow promises are a form of emotional manipulation that can trap you into a situation where your life is slowly taken away from you.

The Ethics Behind Future Faking

Future faking is about laying claim to an unrealistic future vision because these promises often crumble as soon as any challenge or reality check comes into play. This tactic is used as a marketing tool to maintain engagement, especially when the future-faker senses a decline in your emotional investment. It is particularly common in the early stages of a relationship, when both parties are still enamored or in a state of love lust and thus more open to idealized promises.

The Purpose of Future Faking

Narcissists use future faking to manipulate their targets by offering a deal that promises a lot of enjoyable and meaningful experiences. It’s a clever tactic: just like infomercials or pop-ups, they play on your emotions to make you say 'yes' by adding extra benefits. Their goal is to seal the deal by convincing you that the life you imagined with them is achievable.

Recognizing a High-Value Prospect

A 'high-value' prospect is someone who appears to have the right qualities and background to make those future promises seem feasible. However, this status is a double-edged sword. High-value prospects are not shielded from situations that can disrupt their claims of a rosy future. Here are the traits of a high-value prospect:

Minimal Drama: A well-managed, settled life with no major issues. Job Satisfaction: Content with their professional life, not constantly seeking new opportunities. Stable Family Life: No custody battles or serious conflicts.

Despite these positive traits, high-value prospects still fall short of backing up their future claims because life is unpredictable. Even the most 'evolved' courtship can falter due to changing circumstances. The future is always uncertain, and such promises are ultimately hollow.

Exploiting Emotional Commitment

Narcissists use this manipulation to exploit your emotional commitment by painting a picture of a perfect future. They give you the illusion of a happily ever after, making you feel comfortable and at home. They highlight your differences, saying they understand you like no one else, and express deep appreciation for your presence. However, these are all just facade designed to make you feel valued and loved.

The ultimate goal is to make you believe that your life is intertwined with theirs, and that if you leave, you are leaving behind not just a person, but a piece of yourself. Once you fully buy into these promises, it becomes incredibly difficult to detach emotionally, leading to an even deeper sense of betrayal when the reality falls short.

How to Navigate Future Faking

To avoid falling victim to future faking, it is crucial to maintain a favorable but uncommitted stance towards any promises about the future. Don't be swayed by grand visions and unrealistic promises. Instead, focus on building a real connection and getting to know each other genuinely. Integrity and transparency are key, and you should be skeptical of any future plan that is too rosy and lacks substance.

Once you have identified a future faking situation, the next step is to disengage safely. It’s important to take time for yourself, nurturing yourself and focusing on your needs. Remember, the manipulator is doomed; their tactics do not hold up when faced with reality.

In conclusion, future faking is a form of emotional manipulation that preys on your desire for a perfect future. Recognizing this tactic early on and maintaining a guarded stance can help you avoid getting caught in the web of hollow promises. By nurturing your self-worth and focusing on reality, you can protect yourself from the manipulative practices of a future faker.