What is a sociopath?
A sociopath can be more than just the rapists and serial killers you see on the news. They can be your family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or even your soul mate. Imagine, you’re in this perfect relationship, you’ve been with them for a year or so and you’ve never suspected a thing, but then, your lover starts lying and getting secretive, if you try to figure out what’s going on our become a snoop, then they start getting aggressive, you start to worry about your own safety. Is there something wrong with him/her? Sociopaths are manipulative and charming. When you first meet them, you think they are well-groomed, but in reality, they will bury lies and secrets beneath the mask they show to society of a well-mannered person just like everyone else.
Sociopaths are people who have antisocial personality disorder and demonstrate a pattern of disregard that is pervasive, particularly in terms of the feelings and rights of others. “Most people consider sociopaths to be criminals, but while it is possible, this is not a requirement for a diagnosis as having antisocial personality disorder. Instead, the patient must show a specific set of behaviors consistently (both in set circumstances and over time) and be over 18.” (Bonny)
Just looking at someone, you wouldn’t ever be able to tell they were a sociopath. They look and act like any normal human being. They’re very charming and they’re very friendly. They have very likable characteristics about them. Not every single nice person is a sociopath though, so don’t take it the wrong way, that’s just some of the traits. “Sociopaths are typically very intelligent. However, instead of letting their knowledge empower themselves, they use it for deception and advancement. This means that the high IQs of sociopaths can be dangerous, with examples being found among serial killers who evaded the law.” (Benson) Also, Sociopaths can’t feel remorse, guilt or shame because their brains don’t have the proper wiring. This means that they can threaten or harm people or betray them without worrying about the consequences. Sociopath’s never apologize, even in situations where it’s proven they are in the wrong, they will still not apologize, and instead they attack with their words.
Not every sociopath is a criminal, so don’t start pointing out random people and making assumptions, the things that have been listed are just the general characteristics. “This disorder is characterized by a disregard for the feelings of others, a lack of remorse or shame, manipulative behavior, unchecked egocentricity, and the ability to lie in order to achieve one’s goals.” (WIKI)
“What Is a Sociopath?” Is It Same with a Psychopath? N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.
“How to Tell a Sociopath from a Psychopath.” Psychology Today. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.
“How to Spot a Sociopath.” WikiHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.