California is home to some of the most ambitious, stylish, and image-conscious men in the world. But behind the sunglasses and Instagram-worthy lives, there’s often a gap between perception and reality. Whether it’s trying to keep up with Hollywood, Silicon Valley, or the latest fitness trends, plenty of men in the Golden State present themselves as something they’re not. Here are ten things men in California pretend to be—when the truth is a little different.
1. Wealthy Entrepreneurs
Every other guy in California claims he’s “building a startup” or “running a business.” In reality, many of them are just hustling side gigs, living off investor money, or still figuring out what their company actually does. The image of the self-made tech mogul is tempting, but for many, it’s more dream than reality. A rented Tesla and a WeWork membership don’t equal financial success. But in a state obsessed with innovation, the illusion of being a business mogul is often more important than the reality.
2. Fitness Gurus
From Venice Beach to San Francisco, men act like they have their fitness game on lock. They’ll talk about macros, cold plunges, and their “optimized morning routine,” but their real workout consists of a few gym selfies and overpriced supplements. Many are more concerned with looking the part than actually putting in the work. That $200-a-month Equinox membership doesn’t mean much if it’s just for networking in the sauna. Being fit is great, but pretending to be a fitness expert while skipping leg day isn’t fooling anyone.
3. Hollywood Insiders
Los Angeles is full of men who claim to be “in the industry.” They’ll name-drop producers, talk about their upcoming film, or insist they’re working on “a big project.” The truth? They might have been an extra in a music video once or are still waiting tables while chasing a dream. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing Hollywood, but acting like a major player before making it big is just part of the scene.
4. Crypto Millionaires
Crypto made a lot of people rich—but not as many as you’d think. Some men in California still act like they’re riding the Bitcoin wave, talking about their “portfolio” as if they’ve cracked the financial code. In reality, many of them lost big during the last crash or are hoping their few remaining coins will bounce back. They flash luxury watches and brag about NFTs, but their bank account tells a different story. Crypto is a gamble, but pretending to be a crypto millionaire is just another Silicon Valley flex.
5. Eco-Warriors
Being environmentally conscious is a major part of California culture, and plenty of men want to appear like they’re saving the planet. They’ll drive a Tesla, shop at Erewhon, and post about sustainability—but then take private jets to Coachella. Many are more concerned with looking “green” than making real lifestyle changes. It’s easy to talk about climate change while sipping a $15 organic smoothie. But being an actual eco-warrior takes more than just Instagram activism.
6. Spiritual Gurus
Spirituality is big in California, and some men take it to another level. They’ll throw around words like “alignment,” “manifestation,” and “high vibration” while charging people for coaching sessions they’re not qualified to give. Meditation retreats and ayahuasca trips don’t automatically make someone enlightened. Many of these self-proclaimed gurus are just capitalizing on a trend. True spirituality isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about real self-awareness, something not everyone masters.
7. Hardcore Surfers
Surf culture is strong in California, and a lot of men want to claim that lifestyle. They’ll own a surfboard, talk about swells, and wear board shorts year-round—but they rarely actually get in the water. Surfing takes years of dedication, and paddling out once a month doesn’t make someone a pro. The real surfers can tell who’s faking it within minutes. Posting a beach pic with a board isn’t the same as actually riding the waves.
8. Foodie Experts
With California being a foodie paradise, plenty of men act like they have a refined palate. They’ll drop restaurant recommendations and claim they “only eat farm-to-table,” but their diet mostly consists of overpriced burgers and takeout. Just because someone follows Michelin-starred chefs on social media doesn’t mean they understand fine dining. Knowing how to pronounce “sommelier” doesn’t make someone a wine expert. Food culture is deep, and pretending to be a connoisseur just for clout is obvious to real food lovers.
9. Minimalists
Minimalism is trendy, and many California men claim to be all about simplicity. They’ll talk about decluttering, owning fewer things, and focusing on experiences—but their closets are filled with designer clothes, and they upgrade their iPhones every year. True minimalism isn’t about curated aesthetics—it’s about intentionality. Many are more interested in appearing minimalist than actually living with less. If someone’s house looks like a luxury showroom, they’re probably not the Zen master they claim to be.
10. Relationship Experts
A lot of men in California love giving relationship advice—even when their own love lives are a disaster. They’ll preach about communication, self-love, and emotional intelligence but struggle to maintain a healthy partnership themselves. Being a “high-value man” sounds good on a podcast, but real relationships require more than theories. Many men are just repeating advice they heard online without applying it. Talking about relationships and actually having one that lasts are two very different things.
Are They Fooling Anyone?
California is full of big personalities, ambitious dreams, and even bigger illusions. While confidence and ambition are great, pretending to be something you’re not won’t get you very far. The best thing anyone can do is own who they really are—no filters, no flexing, just authenticity.
Have you met someone who fits one of these descriptions? What was the tip off that they were not being truthful? We’d love to hear your story in the comments below.
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Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.