A sociopath surfers from Sociopathy, a type of anti-social personality disorder that makes someone lacks the ability to feel or sympathize with others. In other words, a sociopath is characterized by anti-social behaviors and have little regard for the feeling and welfare of others.
They break rules and laws because they don’t believe society’s rules apply to them, says psychiatrist Dr. Dale Archer.
Researchers estimate that as many as 1 in 25 people are sociopaths, that means you’ve once came across them. But, it might be hard to sink in that, that friend of yours is a sociopath. Rather, you might be the 1 among the 25. Martha Stout even wrote in the book “The Sociopath Next Door
Thus, this article is okay for considering your mannerism as well as spotting the traits in others.
The following traits are some of the numerous signs that you or your friend is potentially a sociopath.
Lack of Remorse or Shame
Sociopaths feel no remorse because their brains lack the circuitry to process the emotion. They are deceptive, they cheat but can never be easily detected. When caught, they shift the blame and never accept their wrong doings. They serve their own self-interest not minding who gets hurt.
Read also: 6 Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Sociopath speaks poetically.
Study found that Sociopaths are experts in telling stories i.e. able to deliver a running “stream of consciousness” intriguing monologue to catch the attention of those around them.
Staying calm in dangerous situation
While others are anxious at a disturbing images or incidence, a sociopath may not be disturbed, said M.E. Thomas. Sociopath enjoy risky situations, and never care if the world is collapsing. “Sociopaths have a super-human power to stay serene in even the most upsetting circumstances,” Thomas added.
Predatory Stare
While chatting with sociopaths, they gaze at you with a suffocating look; as if you are a prey. This often makes the person talking uncomfortable with their body language.
Read also: 3 Ways to spot an Emotional Manipulator
Having few or no friends
“Sociopaths don’t want friends, unless they need them. Or all of their friends are superficially connected with them, friends by association,” psychotherapist Ross Rosenberg, author of the book “Why We Love People Who Hurt Us
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Superficially Charming
Sociopaths are very charismatic, and this helps them get people around them. With secret agenda, they charm people around them i.e. either with smile or talk.
“You would like me if you met me. I have the kind of smile that is common among television show characters and rare in real life, perfect in its sparkly teeth dimensions and ability to express pleasant invitation.” M.E. Thomas described.
Read also: Identifying a Sexual Predator
Reference:
Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight