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I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

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Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#41

The subject has always fascinated me, largely to understand this character type when I encounter it. I've worked for a couple of sociopaths, it was extremely confusing and difficult. I find it interesting that the author understands that the way she behaves can have negative impacts on people around her. In my experience this is unusual, sociopaths I've met either don't get this, or if they do, don't care, and in som…

    In my experience this is unusual, sociopaths I've met either 
    don't get this
Wow, that doesn't jive with my personal experiences or what I've ever read about sociopathy. It sounds more like you're describing folks on the autism spectrum.

Sociopaths (which I realize is a somewhat deprecated term) tend to be skilled manipulators because they do understand how they effect others, but don't particularly feel much guilt about it.

They also behaved pretty scrupulously most of the time, because even if you have little empathy, behaving like a creepy scumbag is generally not going to be beneficial in the long run. If you are a sociopath, you might not feel "guilty" about being a shitty neighbor or even murdering somebody, but on a purely practical level, your life will still be much more pleasant if you're friendly with the neighbors and the cops aren't busting down your door to arrest you for murder.

Or at least that's how it seemed to me. I'm just curious observer, not somebody really qualified to have an opinion...

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#42

Her dead eyes are kind of a giveaway.

Thats not a fair assumption. I know more than a few people who have flat expressions or speech and their personality is totally opposite.

For some its how they are raised, others it a muscular issue. And yet others are awkward in front of a camera

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#44
I’m really worried that there’s a trend to normalize narcissistic and sociopathic behavior simply because “they are self aware”

There are a few ASPD, NPD or narcissist Instagram pages which are clearly sociopaths getting their attention fix by acknowledging and describing these behaviors - this isn’t the same as recovery groups or serious interventions because ASPD has been seen as impossible to treat (though that’s slowly changing by viewing it as a basket of disorders)

So it seems like we have basically birthed an entirely new class of advanced sociopaths who can recognize their behaviors, pretend like they’re actually working towards fixing them, even warning people that they aren’t safe so they get a free pass on their behavior. In the meantime, they just continue to act in only their own best interest, while shrugging their shoulders, and throwing their hands up, saying “what can I do? I’m working on it.”

Sociopath awareness pins coming soon?

So let’s not get confused here. Self reported non clinically observed sociopaths don’t meet the DSM definition for ASPD because lack of guilt, not simply the awareness of antisocial behavior.

One can certainly argue about definitions, but experience in narcissistic abuse survivors groups (many of which I am in) is consistent and robust in identifying major behavioral patterns including self-aggrandizement.

This isn’t a disability, sociopathy is a self-propelled toxic character trait, typically resulting from deep childhood trauma that our society rewards structurally.

Numerous studies indicate high correlation with aspd and powerful positions so it’s not like this group needs a leg up. Mostly we just need to identify and isolate people with ASPD as quickly as possible.

I’m unaware of anything more destructive than a smart sociopath and it seems the acceptance of them is growing.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisocial_personality_disor...

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-pe...

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#46
I think it's more likely that she's lying for attention (and a book deal) than it is that she's actually a sociopath. Since we're talking about subjective feelings, it's not like there's any way to knwo for sure.

I suppose if she killed someone and was managing this publicity blitz from jail it would add some credence.

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#47

Another article from the same person: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/25/magazine/patr... And discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39500240 And yet another from a few years back: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24806019

Sociopaths do love publicity

The thrill response may be preserved.

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#48
post #27

> After years of study, intensive therapy and earning a Ph.D. in psychology I wonder what the percentage of psychologists get their degrees to figure out what the hell is wrong with them. I bet it is pretty large. Also her gaze in the picture is quite unnerving. I wonder if it is because I know she is a sociopath or would I find it just as unnerving if I did not.

Same reason why the percentage of Registered Dieticians with active or recovered eating disorders is very high.

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#49

I’m really worried that there’s a trend to normalize narcissistic and sociopathic behavior simply because “they are self aware” There are a few ASPD, NPD or narcissist Instagram pages which are clearly sociopaths getting their attention fix by acknowledging and describing these behaviors - this isn’t the same as recovery groups or serious interventions because ASPD has been seen as impossible to treat (though that’s…

incredibly tiresome and stupid trend if it exists

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#50

I’m really worried that there’s a trend to normalize narcissistic and sociopathic behavior simply because “they are self aware” There are a few ASPD, NPD or narcissist Instagram pages which are clearly sociopaths getting their attention fix by acknowledging and describing these behaviors - this isn’t the same as recovery groups or serious interventions because ASPD has been seen as impossible to treat (though that’s…

So what is your proposed solution? I'd rather have a sociopath that is upfront about being one to me than figuring that fact out by myself.

Shunning those people from society seems like not an option to me, they are people after all.

I think normalizing sociopathic behaviour is something to be worried about, but I personally don't see that happening anywhere so I am unsure what your point is.

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