What Is a Sociopath? Everything You Need to Know About Sociopathy.
Sociopathy and psychopathy are so popular, they might as well be their own industries now. It would be considered cool to join an antisocial club. Seriously, if you or someone you know is being abused by a sociopath reach out for help.
I am here right now with my nonfriend Seth-the-sociopath.
Seth: Yo.
Me: So Seth, I know you sociopaths don’t care how someone feels. If you were dating a non-sociopath what would be grounds for dumping them?
Seth: I usually take a walk once they’ve run out of money on their own. Or if they’re out of money since I’ve run through it all. If that’s the case, I will definitely walk once their bank statements are at zero and they only have the clothes left on their back.
Me: This blows Seth.
Seth: It really does.
Me: Damn it, Seth. These are people’s lives. Don’t you care?
Seth: Not at all.
Me: Are you going to kill me Seth?
Seth: No…Probably not. I don’t know. Let’s see how it goes.
Me: Sociopaths rarely kill.
Seth: If you say so.
Me: Um. Would you be friendly on a date at least?
Seth: Of course! I’m charming as hell. Just don’t leave your purse at the table if you’re going to the bathroom. I’ll go through it.
Me: I would have trusted you wouldn’t do that.
Seth: Your mistake is going to cost you. Literally.
Me: Can you remind me of the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?
Seth: Jesus christ. I already explained. Those aren’t even clinical terms. You’re supposed to say anti-personality disorder before anything. Let me lift some info since you’re obviously too lazy to do it on your own.
Me: But I-
Seth: Shut up.
A sociopath is someone with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). People with ASPD are typically able to form relationships with others but ignore societal norms, do not have a strong conscience, lack empathy for others, and act in completely self-serving manners. In other words, a sociopath is someone who does not conform to society’s expectations and behaves in ways that are harmful to others or morally wrong.
What Are Common Traits of a Sociopath?
While media portrayal and pop culture may make it seem like all sociopaths are dangerous criminals, this is far from the truth. In reality, sociopaths have a unique set of characteristics that go against societal norms, causing them to stand out in a negative light. It’s not easy to identify whether or not someone is a sociopath. But it’s not impossible, either. Here are some of the most common traits of a sociopath.
- Sociopaths are Manipulative
Sociopaths are skilled at quickly winning over friends and building trust so they can manipulate the people around them into doing what they want. They tend to be very insightful and able to read people well, allowing them to take advantage of weaknesses, needs, and desires. This ability to control and dominate others is often what allows sociopaths to get away with their destructive behavior.
Most people who first meet a sociopath don’t realize what they’re dealing with. Sociopaths are often charming, funny, and seemingly friendly at first glance. However, those who get to know them better soon realize that they’re actually quite difficult to deal with. Most people who get close to a sociopath eventually end up cutting off contact due to the stress and strain of the relationship. Few people can tolerate being around a sociopath for any length of time.
Although sociopaths have many short-term friends, these often fizzle out quickly. That’s why it is uncommon for a sociopath to have many long-term friends.
- Sociopaths Tend to Play the Victim
A sociopath may stab you in the back and then tell you you did it. Sarah will steal your boyfriend. Sarah will get you kicked out of college and then say it’s on you.Another common characteristic that sociopaths share is playing the victim when something does not go their way. At the sight of things straying from their initial plan, sociopaths will happily adopt the victim mentality. When this happens, don’t bother trying to reason with them. Sociopaths will not respond to reasonable advice and will continue to throw their pity parties, convinced that the world is against them.
- Sociopaths Do Not Respect Rules
Sociopaths know right from wrong, but they don’t think the rules should apply to them. They’re often charming and good at manipulating people, so they believe that they can get away with whatever they want. While some sociopaths can be violent, not all of them are criminals. If they do commit crimes, they’re usually careless, impulsive, and not well thought out. Sometimes they apologize for their behavior, but their apologies are rarely sincere. They often take risks and enjoy being cruel to animals. Sociopaths are prone to playing with fire, both literally and figuratively.
- Sociopaths are Impulsive
Sociopaths are often characterized by impulsive behavior, acting without considering the consequences. For them, if there is no consequence, there is no remorse. Genuine guilt is a foreign emotion to most sociopaths. They will only feel guilty about how their actions have impacted their own fate, not how they have impacted the lives of others.
- Sociopaths Tend to Be Unfaithful in Relationships
Although sociopaths can be very charming and charismatic, they often have trouble maintaining long-term romantic relationships. This is because their relationships are based on deception and manipulation rather than trust and loyalty. Sociopaths also tend to cheat and be unfaithful to their partners, which can further damage their relationships.
For someone who is in a relationship with a sociopath, it can be difficult to accept that they have been manipulated or duped by the sociopath’s false charms. Even after successfully getting out of the toxic relationship, many people will find themselves still thinking about the sociopath for months or even years later.
- It is Difficult for Sociopaths to Function as Adults
Adulting can be hard, but it is even more difficult for sociopaths. As adults, sociopaths often have trouble holding down a job and may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. They typically lack direction in their lives, and may not have any short- or long-term goals.
Sociopaths may be abusive or neglectful spouses or parents, have criminal convictions or find themselves in financial difficulty or homeless. They may also experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, exhibit homicidal or suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and be at risk for early death due to violence.
Sociopaths vs. Psychopaths
The terms sociopath and psychopath are often used interchangeably. While they are both associated with antisocial personality disorder, this is where their similarities cease. There are plenty of differences between a psychopath and a sociopath.
For example, psychopaths tend to lack any form of conscience, while sociopaths have a diminished conscience. In addition to this, psychopaths are even more manipulative than sociopaths, and often engage in calculated behavior with the intent of harming others. While psychopaths do not experience emotions, they are often able to portray empathy quite well as a manipulation tactic. Another major difference is that psychopaths are not as impulsive as sociopaths are. Therefore, their actions are well thought out and deliberate.
Me: So, Seth, it sounds like a victim of a sociopath would need help.
Seth: I would be sure to tell whichever therapist that they’re too crazy to be helped.
Me: I actually wrote something that shows maladaptive behavior. It’s an interesting book.
Seth: I’m not going to read whatever crap you wrote.
Me: I actually needed to fix some things. Being around someone like you is depressing. I actually used a tool to fix it.
Do you want to see it?
Seth: No, I’m not interested in whatever tool you want me to see.
Me: Okay! See you around, Seth.
Seth: I love you. Yeah, that sounded pretty real.
Me: Maybe if you talk to someone, you may realize the root cause of your sociopathy problem.
Seth: Not going to happen, hon.
