• Future-faking involves promising a future in a relationship that one doesn't intend to deliver, often to manipulate or keep the other person engaged.
• In chats, future-faking can show up as over-the-top declarations, vague commitments, inconsistencies between words and actions, and avoidance of deeper conversations.
• To protect yourself, trust your gut, take things slow, communicate openly, look for concrete actions, and set healthy boundaries.