Superficially, narcissistic sociopaths seem normal – they act and do things that people usually do. More so, they are friendly, cheerful, and are engaging in most occasions. For this reason, identifying and dealing with sociopaths who have a strong regard for themselves can be quite tricky. But, are you aware that there are more than one ways to know that you currently face-to-face with a narcissistic sociopath?
A General Overview
With antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders, a narcissistic sociopath can easily be distinguished as sociable and charming. To this extent, it’s confusing to know if a person is a real extrovert or a sociopath. One of the main characteristics of narcissistic sociopaths is that they are receptive to adoration and react aggressively and staunchly to criticism while craving for consistent respect and praise from other people. “They will also likely “punish” you via criticism, silence, or covert aggression of some sort, but the retaliation is less intense or prolonged than it would be if the person was at the severe end of the spectrum.” says Traci Stein Ph.D., MPH. These kinds of people are always on their feet trying their very best to prove themselves worthy of being continuously applauded and hailed, and most of the time, at the expense of others.
Outlining A Narcissistic Sociopath
Let’s agree on one thing: you will never know that you are already in the presence of a narcissistic sociopath even if it hits you in the face. It’s just really hard to unravel the truth behind a charming, confident demeanor. People who are unable to resist the enigma become victims of these predators and are usually subjected to verbal, mental, or even physical abuse.
While it is such an arduous task to judge someone at first encounter, there are a few signs that you can observe to profile displays of antisocial and narcissistic behaviors. What are the ways to discover and eventually handle a narcissistic sociopath?
- Sketchy Charisma
Let your gut feeling decide. If you find a person flaunting a charisma that looks sketchy or superficial, it might be because he or she is a narcissistic sociopath. One can quickly tell by the smoothness, confidence, and eagerness to present oneself in public. Because narcissistic sociopaths are full of themselves, they would always be “hogging the limelight” and is not sensitive enough to allow other person’s views or opinions to be heard or recognized. “They both can be charismatic, intelligent, charming, and successful, as well as unreliable, controlling, selfish, disingenuous, and dishonest. They share exaggerated positive self-images and a sense of entitlement,” says Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT.
- Callous Attitude
Despite an error done, narcissistic sociopaths would never take the blame and express remorse because they don’t feel guilty for doing what they’ve done even if it has negatively affected a few. Instead of uttering words of forgiveness, narcissistic sociopaths would passionately defend their behavior and actions. At work, these people will be avoidant of responsibility but will be the first people to revel in achievements even with less to no contribution.
- Amplified Ego
If anyone asks, the person who has the enormous ego is the narcissistic sociopath who has an intense sense of conceitedness. They would always brag about their assumed abilities and achievements enthusiastically even if it appeared shallow or insignificant to other people. Boasting while being arrogant about their so-called accomplishments is something that narcissistic sociopaths believe in making them superior and standing out.
- Incessant Lying
To convince people of their massive but trivial contributions to either the workplace or the community, narcissistic sociopaths would build a mountain of lies with little regard for what or who they lie about. Sometimes, their lies have gotten so relentless that it has progressed as a pathological condition wherein they would feel the urge of creating one lie on top of the other so that they would earn commendation. “Sociopaths are fast talkers. Their words are mostly, if not entirely false. But they use many, many words designed to cover their behavior. They may be a completely different person from who they say that they are,” and this is according to Bill Eddy LCSW, JD.
Do you know someone who falls under the abovementioned characteristics? If you do and want a way out, here are some approaches to dealing with narcissistic sociopaths.
- Focus on the job and while giving minimal to no attention to the person. You will realize that it is easy to thwart unpleasant confrontations if you remain professional and cordial towards the narcissistic sociopath.
- Refrain from gossiping especially in at ear’s reach of the narcissistic sociopath. This will only trigger a series of unfortunate scandals within the workplace that could eventually be led to you. Better stay out of trouble and just aim your attention at the task at hand.
- Leave before things get bad. If you have a partner who’s a narcissistic sociopath, there is no point wishing that he or she is going to change eventually because people like this will never accept that they are the problem and will forever blame you for creating a huge mess of everything.
If the narcissistic sociopath has already done so much damage on your physical, mental, and emotional state, the best that you can do is find someone you can confide with or better yet, talk to a therapist to gain perspective on your situation. Narcissistic sociopaths are hard to change which is why it is up to you to create that barrier and get your life back.