Spotting a
Psychopath
At the movies, it’s easy to spot the psychopath.
He’s the one with the charm and the smile, the one who’s ready to stab you with
a knife. But it’s not so easy when it’s everyday life – and we’re not trained
as doctors or as psychiatrists. However, professionals have highlighted a few
warning signs that might indicate that this could be a psychopath. They
include:
• Playing on
our sympathy: Psychopaths will use us, will hurt and rip us off – then
heartlessly play to our sympathetic feelings - and we blindly believe them and
tend to let them off. But if this happens often, it shows a lack of conscience
so don’t be fooled by their cheap and empty words.
• Being
manipulative: Psychopaths, in general, love to play with your emotions.
They want you to jump, squirm, feel anxious or afraid.
•
Being a parasite: The psychopath will use their charm and persuasion to get
you to pay, or to meet their various needs. There’s rarely any benefit or
payoff for you. You’re just being exploited – you’re a pawn in their
hands.
• Being
deceitful: They’re con men who’ll trick you and lie constantly. Their life
is a deception; you can’t trust a word. But if you point to a snag in their
tangled web of lies they’ll vehemently deny it, and jump to their
defence.
• Highly
charming: Psychopaths are usually charismatic characters. That is, they’re
often mesmerizing, can pull in a crowd, and make a person feel like they’re a
famous movie star. But it won’t last forever … they drop you and move on.
•
Conceited: Psychopaths are caught up with themselves and
their importance. They’re boastful, proud, haughty, heartless, arrogant – and
like to undermine, criticise and put you down.
• Never
accepting blame: The psychopath believes that they are never to blame - and
they won’t accept any culpability.
• Being
highly reactive: Although psychopaths can quickly cover up their anger,
they will overreact to perceived slights and offences … or to insufficient
deference, recognition and respect.
• Risk-takers:
These types of individuals are extreme risk takers who draw in others to their
games, schemes and plans. They’re hungry for power and they seek control –
regardless of the risks or the danger this entails.
Note:
Research indicates that psychopaths cannot be treated. So put up your guard and keep a healthy distance – and don’t
ever form a relationship with them.
Image Source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/702778
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