14 Common Things People Often Pretend They Don’t Do
We all do it—maybe not every day, but at some point, you’ve caught yourself pretending you don’t do something that, let’s be honest, everyone does.
It’s not just a quirky habit, but a reflection of a complex psychological phenomenon known as social desirability bias. On one hand, we have the public self—the curated, idealized version we present to the world, shaped by societal expectations and the desire for acceptance.
On the other hand, there’s the private self—the unfiltered reality of who we are behind closed doors, where flaws, imperfections, and sometimes questionable behaviors can’t help but slip through. This tension between the two selves creates a fascinating dynamic, influencing everything from our interactions to the way we present ourselves online.
The question remains: how much of what we pretend not to do is driven by the fear of judgment, and how much by the simple truth that we all share these 14 imperfect traits?
Lying on Your Resume
Let’s just get this one out of the way first, shall we? Sometimes it’s just about emphasizing certain skills; other times it’s a full-blown embellishment. A 2024 study by HRO Today found that 64.2% of employees have lied about their skills, experience, or references at least once.
While it’s not exactly ethical, it’s a reality in a highly competitive job market. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t played up a skill or two to land a dream job? At the end of the day, everyone’s trying to get ahead.
Procrastination at Work
Ah, procrastination. How many times have you told yourself you’ll get to that report later, only to find yourself binge-watching Netflix instead? But really, it’s just human nature. We tend to put off tasks that feel like a chore, especially when we’d rather do something less stressful.
The trick is recognizing it and still getting the work done, eventually. And don’t forget—the more you procrastinate, the longer you end up working on it later.
Stalking Your Ex Online
Let’s be real here: stalking your ex on social media is almost a rite of passage after a breakup. London Daily News notes that 24% of people admit to checking up their exes social media pages weekly. But most people won’t admit it when asked directly.
It’s human nature to be curious about what someone is up to after you’ve split ways, even if you’re pretending you don’t care. Social media makes it too easy to slip into a digital rabbit hole. So, if you’ve clicked through your ex’s Instagram profile more than once or twice, don’t sweat it—we’ve all done it.
Pretending to Use Your Phone to Avoid Conversations
Raise your hand if you’ve ever pretended to be busy on your phone just to avoid an awkward conversation. If it’s during an uncomfortable elevator ride or an awkward social event, your phone can serve as the perfect distraction.
There’s something about being on a screen that makes you invisible in social situations. The good news? Almost everyone does it. It’s basically a social survival tactic. So, next time you sneak a peek at your screen, know you’re in good company.
Singing in the Car (and Shower) When No One’s Watching
Let’s have a little fun here! You know that moment when you’re driving and your car suddenly becomes your personal concert stage? Or when you’re in the shower, belting out your favorite tune with the water as your audience? Turns out, a lot of us do it.
The car and shower are the perfect places to sing your heart out without any judgment. So go ahead, sing your soul out—it’s one of the best ways to unwind and just be yourself!
Making Excuses to Avoid Social Events
“I’m too tired.” “I’ve got other things going on.” We all have excuses ready to avoid social obligations. According to Yahoo News, Americans make about six excuses a day. Whether it’s to avoid a loud party or just because you’re in the mood to stay in bed, it happens to the best of us.
And guess what? It’s okay to want a night off. We all need downtime, and sometimes the best social interaction is with our own couch. So, next time you need an excuse, know that almost everyone’s done it.
Don’t worry, there’s no shame in skipping out on the occasional hangout.
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Nose Picking (Yes, You Do It)
Let’s talk about something no one likes to admit: nose picking. According to CBS News, 91% picked their noses, which is slightly higher than the general population. It’s more common than you think, and you’ve probably done it at some point.
You might pretend you don’t, but when no one’s around, it’s a whole different story. You’re not alone—it’s practically universal. So go ahead, pick away. Just make sure you’re in private, okay?
Self-Sniffing (Body Odor Check)
Ever caught yourself sniffing your shirt or the back of your hand to see if you smell? This one might seem a bit strange, but it’s actually pretty standard. According to PubMed Central, 94% of people smell themselves at some point.
We all need to know if our hygiene is on point, and sometimes it’s just easier to check yourself than risk an embarrassing moment. It’s nothing to be ashamed of—it’s just a practical way to avoid body odor mishaps. So, don’t worry, we’re all doing it.
Checking Your Phone During Conversations
You’re talking to someone, and then the phone buzzes. It’s almost irresistible to check. American adults check their phones 96 times a day, or approximately once every ten minutes, notes Sada News.
It’s like a reflex. Sure, it’s rude, but we’ve all been caught at least once. Whether it’s a “work emergency” or just a curiosity about what’s happening on your social feed, we all sneak a peek. Next time, though, try to stay present; you’ll feel better for it.
Rehearsing Conversations in Your Head
People often rehearse conversations before they even happen, especially when the discussion is going to be difficult. Mentally running through the conversation helps ease anxiety and prepares you for different outcomes. This practice helps you to feel more confident and better equipped to handle the discussions when the time comes.
But don’t pretend you’re not doing it, because we all are. It’s like preparing for a job interview, but in your head. You run over possible responses, thinking through the perfect comebacks.
It’s totally normal, and it usually helps you feel more confident when the conversation actually happens.
Faking Confidence
Most people don’t just walk into a room oozing confidence; they fake it. In a work meeting or a social event, we all have to fake it ‘til we make it sometimes. And guess what? It works.
Sometimes, pretending to be confident can even trick your brain into believing it. Plus, it gives off the vibe that you know what you’re doing, even when you’re just winging it.
You Don’t Shower Every Single Day (And That’s Okay)
We all pretend we shower every single day, don’t we? The truth is, not everyone hops into the shower daily, despite what we might tell others. In fact, showering too often can strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
This effect is heightened by long showers, hot water, and frequent use of harsh soaps or scrubbing tools, as noted by Dr. Lida Çiteli, a Medical Aesthetic Doctor. It’s one of those little secrets people tend to hide, especially when we’re running late or just don’t feel like it.
The thing is, it’s totally normal, and most people do it more than they care to admit. So next time you’re pretending to be a daily shower champion, just know we are many in your little hygiene secret!
Overstating How Much You Exercise
It’s easy to say you “work out all the time,” but the reality is that most of us don’t meet the recommended physical activity levels. We all tend to overestimate how much we exercise, and honestly, that’s perfectly normal. Just remember, a trip to the fridge doesn’t exactly count as a workout.
If you’re making an effort to stay active, that’s awesome, but let’s be real, it’s a lot easier to skip the gym than to actually show up.
Pretending Not to Care About Your Appearance
We all know the game: throw on that hoodie, act like you don’t care about how you look, but then spend 15 minutes in front of the mirror. Everyone’s done it. Be it for a job interview, a date, or a casual hangout, we all care about how we present ourselves.
It’s normal. Just don’t pretend it’s effortless. We’re all faking it to some degree.
Key Takeaways
We all have our little secrets that we’re too embarrassed to admit, but the truth is, many of us share the same habits. In the case of faking confidence in a meeting, checking up on your ex’s social media, or pretending you don’t care about your appearance, we are all sailing in the same boat.
These behaviors are a normal part of human nature, driven by social expectations and the desire to fit in. Recognizing these common actions helps us understand that no one is perfect, and sometimes, it’s okay to embrace our imperfections.
Next time you catch yourself pretending, remember that nearly everyone has done it at some point. We all have our quirks and flaws, so why not stop pretending and accept that we’re all in this together?
Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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