Sociopaths suffer from Antisocial Personality Disorder, a condition that makes them dangerous at worst and often difficult to deal with at best.
People who are sociopaths can use this severe personality disorder in manipulative and harmful ways. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot and distance yourself from them. Here is some helpful information to achieve that goal.
Characteristics of a Sociopath
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They’re Charismatic.
They have a charm about them, which is superficial, and many are very intelligent. Notorious sociopaths? Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Jeffrey Dahmer, just to name a few. Keep in mind one doesn’t have to be a serial killer to qualify as a sociopath.
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Lack of Remorse and Shame.
These folks will commit vile actions with no remorse. They can manipulate people and situations to their liking. Moreover, when they do something wrong they will not accept the blame, and will instead blame other people.
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Dishonesty.
Sociopaths are completely comfortable going through life telling a series of lies. Many of this sort are delusional and believe their lies to be true. Look for inconsistencies in their stories about their past.
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Incapable of Love for Others.
They only want to use other people for their own gain and agenda. They will tend to shy away from intense, personal experiences.
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Emotional Poverty.
Sociopaths don’t register dangerous or scary situations in the same way that normal people do. They may respond to good or bad news with a cold, blank stare.
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Egotistical.
It’s all about them. They typically have a huge sense of entitlement and have an inflated sense of self. They will talk a lot about themselves and aren’t interested in what others have to say. Pay attention to how they engage in conversation to pick up on this.
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Instigating Violent Behavior.
While they often appear outwardly calm, they may snap without notice. This can include mental and emotional abuse.
Distancing Yourself from These People
The chameleon-like ability to wear a mask and say the right thing to entice your needs or dreams makes it easy to get sucked into a relationship with them. They are good at reading people and telling them what they want to hear.
They will also attempt to distance you from your friends and family. You need to distance yourself from the sociopath. Figure out whatever it is they want from you and don’t feed into that need. Sociopaths are easily bored so be sure to handle this in a way that is not emotional or confrontational.
Try to spend as little time as possible with this person. If it’s a co-worker or peer within a friend group, do everything possible to limit your exposure to them.
Don’t give in. They may try to charm you into giving them a second chance, but you’re wiser than that! Don’t let them trick you into feeling sorry for them.
If you’re in a dating relationship with a sociopath you will want to end it tactfully and as quickly as possible. Take a friend with you to pick up your personal belongings and be sure to have no further contact with them. They will likely try to communicate with you, and they are often very persistent, so be sure to guard yourself and change some of your routines if necessary to keep from running into them.The best way to keep from becoming involved with a sociopath is to always think for yourself. They will tend to prey on people who are indecisive and are looking for too much guidance. Know the warning signs and always have self-confidence.
Kitt Wakeley is a partner at Vizown, a women’s treatment center in Oklahoma. He is extremely passionate and determined to help women overcome their addictions and live a clean, wholesome, happy life.Latest posts by Kitt Wakeley (see all)
- How to Spot and Distance Yourself From a Sociopath – August 15, 2016
- How to Support a Recovering Addict – April 13, 2016
- Is There A Connection Between Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse? – March 1, 2016
