Relatives who kiss you on the cheek… and stab you in the soul

Family is often synonymous with trust, support, and love. However, this isn’t always the case. There are relatives who smile, kiss on the cheek, and say sweet words, but in reality, they harbor feelings of envy, resentment, or hidden competition.

These people disguise their true nature with affectionate gestures, while criticizing you behind your back or rejoicing in your misfortunes. Recognizing these false relatives isn’t easy, but it’s essential to protecting your inner peace and emotional well-being.

What to do when you know a relative is fake?

1. Recognize the signs of falsehood

A fake family member is never truly happy for your achievements, changes their attitude depending on who’s around, and uses the information you give them against you. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step to avoiding their emotional traps.

2. Set clear boundaries

It’s not about ending the relationship abruptly, but about protecting your space. Avoid giving out personal information that could be used against you and limit the times you allow that person to influence your life.

3. Remain calm in the face of provocation

Fake relatives enjoy destabilizing you. Don’t give them the power to see you angry or hurt. A calm and firm response disarms their attempts at manipulation.

4. Don’t expect support from someone who will never give it.

Accepting that a person won’t change is liberating. When you stop expecting understanding or genuine affection, you also stop suffering from their indifference or disguised malice.

5. Strengthen ties with those who truly care about you.

In every family, there are those who are sincere and willing to support you. Focus on cultivating those authentic and nourishing relationships, instead of wasting your energy on those who only offer poison disguised as affection.

Tips to protect your inner peace

Learn to let go

Not all blood ties are synonymous with loyalty. If necessary, distance yourself emotionally from those who hurt you, even if you continue to attend family gatherings.

Don’t feel guilty

Self-love is not selfishness. Protecting yourself from toxic people, even if they are relatives, is an act of courage and self-care.

Find your circle of trust

Surround yourself with those who celebrate your achievements, support you through your setbacks, and don’t need to pretend. That’s your true family, even if they don’t all share your last name.