While the internet and contemporary technology have made it easier for us to find love, it has also made it much simpler for us to manipulate that love and our lovers to suit our emotions and desires. And to add to this list of deceptive dating strategies, “wokefishing” is the phrase used to describe someone who presents themselves as having more progressive ideals than they actually do. Being “awake,” a term used to convey a sense of understanding of social justice issues, is actually a consequence of that. This one, however, goes a step further because it entails acting “woke” in order to impress a potential date. Most men will pretend to be more advanced than they are in order to win your affection.
To help you avoid being duped, here are four indications that you’re being “wokefished” while dating.
1. He doesn’t keep his promises: He begins by praising your commitment to your work before continuing to criticize it constantly and acting as though it’s all in good humor. A toxic person has the capacity to utterly change your life, and before you know it, your priorities have been obscured by their priorities. Even though he complains about racism, this man would never date a woman with dark skin. Your partner might not be in touch with his emotions in this situation, which would invalidate everything they say and do.
2. Building a potential relationship on a phoney premise: Future relationships that are built on lies will invariably end in heartache. Currently, there is some pressure on people to participate in conversations about racial issues, the environment, showing compassion for others, and regional and global reform. In other words, some people lie because they know they won’t advance if they don’t appear to care.
3. He can be seen deceiving people: No matter how excellent he is at appearing to be with you, his prejudices will come through with others. So that you may notice how he behaves with people he doesn’t want to date, pay close attention to his behavior. If he lacks social talents and may even hit out at you in the future, it is futile to worry about loneliness or to think you will never find another companion who is so attentive.
4. His behavior screams covert gender bias: Even most progressive people sometimes use gender stereotypes, but in a relationship, this can be extremely harmful because your partner may treat you differently due to their own gender assumptions. Your boyfriend is misogynistic if he expects you to be perfectly coiffed and clothed, and if he expresses concern that the way you look might “provoke” attention from others.