This article unpacks the uncomfortable truth behind that statement. We will explore the psychology of vulnerability, the hidden cracks in relationships, and why the very act of "faking" exploits the things we desire most: validation, safety, and novelty. Let’s dismantle the first myth: that only men fake and only women fall. In reality, human beings are pattern-seeking, trust-leaning creatures. We want to believe what we see and hear. Faking—whether it's confidence, loyalty, or love—works because it targets a basic need.

Why would having a partner make someone more vulnerable to being deceived, not less?

The answer lies in . 2.1 The Comparison Trap Every relationship has its dull moments, arguments, and unspoken disappointments. When a woman is single, she evaluates a new man based on her ideals. But when she has a boyfriend, she evaluates the new man based on comparison .

If the boyfriend is distant, the fake suitor fakes closeness. If the boyfriend is broke, the fake suitor fakes wealth. If the boyfriend is predictable, the fake suitor fakes spontaneity.

Because the boyfriend is real—with real flaws—the fake version of perfection shines brighter. Paradoxically, having a boyfriend creates a psychological safety net. A woman might think: "I’m just having fun. I won’t fall for him because I already have a partner." That false security lowers her guard. She engages with the faker under the illusion of control, only to find herself emotionally hooked.

He doesn’t need to be better—he just needs to sound better. He gives intense attention, then pulls back. She feels the absence. When she has a boyfriend, she compares: "Why doesn’t my boyfriend make me feel this way?"

At first glance, this popular phrase from certain corners of social media and street-level psychology sounds cynical. It suggests that deception—particularly emotional or romantic deception—is a universal trap. Men fake interest, status, or commitment; women fall for it. But the second half of the sentence is the real dagger: "and if they have a boyfriend, it's even worse."