Dealing With Someone Who Is A Sociopath

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A lot of people may seem accommodating and friendly at first. However, once you get to know them, you may start to realize that they possess the traits of a sociopath. Unfortunately, these characteristics are not really apparent which is why it may take a long time to realize that someone is indeed suffering from an anti-social personality disorder. 

Sociopath: The Traits To Watch Out For

A person who is considered as a sociopath has the following traits:

  • He lies all the time, without feeling bad about it. He shows signs of dishonesty in all his dealings and personal encounters with others. According to Bill Eddy LCSW, JDThis could include behaviors such as torturing or killing small animals or pets, stealing from family and strangers, fire-starting, or a serious pattern of lying. This is surprisingly common for sociopaths, so they may try to hide such a history or give excuses.”
  • There is a lack of shame or remorse. He would keep on doing what he likes without regard to what the other people around him may feel. In addition to that, according to Carrie Barron M.D.  “Those afflicted can be calculating, cunning, charming, organized, and disarming. Because guilt, shame and remorse are absent yet entitlement, egocentricity and greed reign, the suffering they cause others is meaningless to them.”
  • This person also shows an irrational way of thinking. For him, all that matters is high thoughts and opinions. He normally rejects suggestions or comments from other individuals.
  • He lacks a sense of sincerity. Most of the time, he engages in deceit or trickery in achieving what he wants to happen. This person believes that his “wants” or “needs” must be satisfied, regardless of the method used to achieve it.
  • He may appear attractive and charming at first but after a long time, he would start to reveal his true colors. He may start to become offensive and rude to be around with.

 

Dealing With A Sociopath

 

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So what happens now if you encounter a sociopath in your life? Should you avoid him? Should you become afraid of that person? Here are the answers:

 

  1. Expect sociopaths to be dominant and manipulative.

One of the common characteristics of a sociopath is his ability to manipulate people. He has a way of employing schemes in order to make others do what he wants to achieve. In some instances, this person also finds pleasure in making his friends go against each other.

 

Because of this, it is important to spot a sociopath as soon as possible. Once you are aware that the person is suffering from an anti-social personality disorder, it would then become easier on your part to understand his motives or manipulations. Always be vigilant when a sociopath is around.

 

  1. Stop convincing yourself that a sociopath cares for you or your emotions.

The truth is that a sociopath is not troubled whenever he does something bad. He does not care whether the people surrounding him would be hurt or would feel terrible. All he cares about is his own self. As a person with anti-social personality disorder, he has the inability to comprehend how his actions or words may affect other people.

 

As such, never expect a sociopath to care for your welfare or feelings. Accept that he does not have a conscience at all. He may even find it difficult to determine between right and wrong.

 

  1. Stay calm when talking to a sociopath.

It can be frustrating to deal with a sociopath. No matter what you do, he will always show signs of negativity and cynicism. Accept this as a fact so that you can move on with your life. This is the best thing to do if you want to avoid feeling frustrated. At the same time, it can also help you avoid having bad encounters with the sociopath.

 

Since a sociopath is difficult to deal with, it is important for you to remain calm at all times. “There’s no sense in trying to argue with a sociopath; the better approach is to show the person you’re too intelligent to fall prey to their schemes,” according to Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Even if you are already mad, just keep your cool. Take note that even if you express your frustrations or complaints against him, it will just go to waste.