Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: End a relationship with a psychopath
• Method 2 of 3: Dealing with a psychopath at work or school
• Method 3 of 3: Recognize signs of psychopathy
• Tips

It can be terrifying to be confronted with a psychopath, but there are ways to make sure you don't become a victim. Psychopathy is a type of antisocial personality disorder and is characterized by lack of empathy, non-compliance and impulsive behavior. If you can't avoid contact with a psychopath, try to stay calm. Don't attack, because getting angry makes them feel like they have power over you. Seek help if you feel unsafe and learn to recognize the signs of someone who could be emotionally or physically abusive to people.

To step

Method 1 of 3: End a relationship with a psychopath

1. Call emergency services if you are in immediate danger. If the person has already threatened to hurt you, themselves, or other people, seek immediate help. Take their threats seriously, even if they have not been truly violent in the past.
   • Not all people with antisocial personality disorder are physically violent, but sudden aggressive and reckless behavior has been associated with this condition.
   • Threatening to commit suicide can be a tactic to manipulate your emotions. If you really think they have the intention and the ability to harm themselves, call the emergency services.
   • If you suspect that threatening suicide is a way to manipulate you, or if they have threatened to do so several times in the past, stick to your limits. Say that you are not responsible for their actions and that you will not allow them to control you.
2. Remember that you are not responsible for their actions. Psychopaths are experts at manipulating, misleading, and putting the blame on someone else. Your situation has nothing to do with being naive or an easy target. Rather than blaming yourself, understand that they have mistreated you and that you are not responsible for their behavior.
   • Keep in mind that psychopaths usually look friendly and engaging. They may have been charming for several weeks before you suddenly start to notice warning signs. Suppose they disappear for a few days and then when you ask where they were, they get angry, threaten violence and say it's none of your business.
   • In addition, remember that you are not alone. Someone with psychopathic tendencies does not consider the well-being of others and treats everyone as if they were an object. Remember, you are not the first person they treated badly.
3. Trust your instincts if you suspect your relationship is unhealthy. Listen to your gut feeling if you find yourself being very careful around that person. If the thought of being with that person makes you anxious, then it's time to leave.
   • You may find this difficult because you enjoy their company when they are friendly. However, ask yourself if they are only being friendly when you do things for them. Suppose they ask you to take them somewhere and you refuse. When they get angry, they probably only charm to get what they want.
   • Remember, you may not experience outright fear. Trust your gut feeling if you feel like this person is always blaming you, constantly lying, taking advantage of you, suddenly becomes aggressive, or doesn't seem to care about your physical or mental well-being.
4. Learn to define and defend your own boundaries. Psychopaths are known for pushing and crossing boundaries, especially when these are unclear. As you wind down the relationship, you need to define and defend your boundaries. Take a moment to take an inventory of your emotions and set boundaries that will protect you from manipulating or ignoring those boundaries.
   • For example, you can decorate your home from scratch so that your surroundings don't remind you of the person who manipulated you. You can set a limit that states that a new person will not be withdrawn or a joint bank account opened unless you have completed several sessions of couples therapy.
   • Remember, you always have the right to say no. You don't owe anyone an explanation and nothing or nobody obliges you to change your mind.
   • Set boundaries that will protect you physically, emotionally and financially in the future.
5. When you end the relationship, cut all contact. The best way to deal with a psychopath is to completely disconnect yourself from them and all situations related to them. Break up and then stop communicating with them. This may sound harsh, but ending your relationship is the best decision for your emotional and physical well-being.
   • Don't check their social media profiles, resist the urge to call or text, and don't question your decision. If this person has abused you emotionally, verbally, or financially, then they have no place in your life.
   • Breaking up isn't easy, but stay strong and don't let guilt eat you up. Realize that you don't let them down when they need you; you just protect yourself.
   • Remember that you are not their therapist or psychologist and you cannot force them to change. A person with antisocial personality disorder will not change with professional help, but most people with this condition refuse any form of treatment.
6. If you think they could potentially turn violent, prepare a safety plan. If you are concerned that ending a relationship could result in violence, consider breaking up over the phone or email. If you live with that person, ask friends or family members you trust how to get out of this situation safely.
   • Memorize important phone number and if possible get a second phone number that they don't have access to. Before you go, you should collect all the important documents and, if you can do it safely, transfer money and have your salary deposited into a new bank account.
   • Make a copy of your car keys and keep them in a safe place.
   • Make sure you can stay with a friend or family member. If you don't have friends or family members you trust nearby, you can stay at a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
7. Have a restraining order if you are concerned about your safety. Go to your local court and tell the clerk you want a contact order form for an emergency. Ask for instructions on how to fill in the form. Call in advance or check the website in case you need to make an appointment in advance.
   • Ask a friend or family member you trust to join you for moral support.
   • You do not need a lawyer to sign this form, nor do you have to pay any fees.
   • Make sure you have the person's work and home addresses and bring all necessary evidence. Think of hospital bills, photos and police reports.
8. Take advantage of the support around you. Breaking up with someone is tough in itself, but getting out of an unhealthy relationship is difficult. Your family and friends can help you with this, so share your feelings with them and have a good time together. Psychopaths try to isolate their targets, but your loved ones can help you stay objective and affirm that getting out of this situation is the right choice.
   • You can also seek out support groups that focus on helping victims of emotional or physical abuse.

Method 2 of 3: Dealing with a psychopath at work or school

1. Don't be fooled by their apologies and explanations. Psychopaths lie, manipulate, and make up stories without any guilt in order to get what they want and not to be blamed. Never believe what this person is saying.
   • Think about why this person is telling you a story, gossiping, or giving an explanation. Double check their story if possible. Reach out to a friend or colleague or do some quick online research to verify that what they said is correct. If you can't control this, trust your gut feeling.
   • Suppose you are told that a colleague has said something behind your back. Ask yourself: "What is their motivation, what are they achieving with this and is this information correct? Do they want the best for me or are they trying to create an unnecessary conflict? "
2. Be suspicious when they try to flatter you. Take all the compliments, especially the exaggerated ones, with a grain of salt. The main characteristics of psychopathy include strong communication skills, charm and wit. Usually, being pleasant in everyday life is just one way to get what they want.
   • Do your best to see through the charm and flattery. Think about what they are like when they don't use their charisma to get something done. Ask yourself, "What do I have to offer that might explain their attempt to flatter me?"
   • For example, don't let yourself be known if they first shower you with compliments and then ask for money or a favor. Say "Sorry, I have a personal rule that prevents me from lending money to friends, relatives or colleagues" or say "Sorry, I'm very busy and really can't do this for you right now."
3. Do not engage in force tests. Make it clear that you don't want a confrontation if they try to intimidate or threaten you. Psychopaths are experts in psychological and physical power over others, and they use charm, intimidation, manipulation, and violence to control that power. The situation can escalate if you try to talk to them and the feeling that they are touching you will satisfy them.
   • If you think you are in danger, talk to a teacher or counselor while you are at school. For work-related problems, you should turn to the human resources department or, if your company does not have one, to a supervisor.
   • As a teacher, if you have to deal with a recalcitrant student, don't respond to their attempts to get around school regulations. Make it clear that the rules also apply to them, inform them of the consequences and seek support from the secretariat in case of blatant violations.
4. Try to deal with them calmly and patiently. If dealing with a psychopath is unavoidable, do everything possible to keep your cool. Showing that you are angry will make them feel like they have you under their control. Instead, try to speak respectfully and keep your frustrations in check, no matter how outrageous they behave.
   • For example, if they've done something wrong and are trying to put the blame on you, don't respond by yelling, "You're lying! You did this! "
   • Instead, say calmly, `` I understand you think this is so. '' If someone with authority, such as a supervisor or a teacher, is involved, keep talking rationally and include evidence that shows that you are not are the culprit.
5. Talk to someone in authority if your situation is unbearable. If working or interacting with this person is not an option, see if you can be transferred to another department. If possible, find a new job. If the situation at school becomes unbearable, enlist the help of a teacher, a counselor at school, or an adult you trust.
   • Your best option may be to avoid the person who is causing you problems, but this is not always possible. Your job may require you to work closely with this person or they may come to you at work or school.
   • It can be drastic to enlist the help of someone in authority or to find a new job or school, but these measures are necessary if you are the target of verbal, emotional or physical abuse.

Method 3 of 3: Recognize signs of psychopathy

1. Consider whether this person has any respect for rules. An important criterion for antisocial personality disorder is a general disregard for rules, laws, and social norms. Psychopaths understand the concept of a rule or law, but do not believe that they are subject to what society considers good or bad.
   • Remember, someone who steals candy or drives through a red light is not automatically a psychopath. There is a difference between breaking a rule and a constant, blatant disregard for rules and norms, without feeling guilty.
2. Watch for extreme arrogance or feelings of superiority. Disregard for laws and social norms is based on an extreme sense of entitlement. People with antisocial personality disorder believe they are above the rules of society and know how to justify just about any action that gives them what they want. They don't feel guilty when they break the law or manipulate others.
3. Watch for impulsive, irresponsible behavior. Believing that they should not obey the rules, people with antisocial personality disorder are prone to reckless and dangerous behavior. Drug and alcohol abuse is common. A psychopath will think less about a decision and can quickly give an answer such as "I did it because I wanted to."
   • Remember, a wild night or a fun ride will not make someone a psychopath. Antisocial personality disorder is a complex group of behavioral patterns. Only mental health experts trained in abnormal psychology and experienced in psychopathology can make an accurate diagnosis.
4. Watch for signs of gaslighting and emotional manipulation. In gaslighting, you are convinced by a friend or romantic partner that your thoughts and beliefs are wrong. Signs include self-doubt, the constant need to apologize, always take the blame, and constantly make excuses for your friend or partner.
   • You may have a gut feeling that something is wrong or you think you are losing your grip on reality. If you think you have been a victim of gaslighting or emotional manipulation, go to someone you trust or a mental health professional so that you can re-think objectively.
   • Psychopaths manipulate emotions to get what they want and to maintain control over other people. They do this because it makes them feel good or to present themselves as a victim.
5. Be wary of risky situations. Risky situations include situations where a potential target is alone or looking for fun or companionship. Examples include an airport abroad, a singles bar, or a dating website or app.
   • Being on guard doesn't mean you have to be paranoid in every social setting. Instead, pay attention to hints and listen with your gut feeling. If someone makes you feel bad, get out of the situation and go to a safe and well-lit public area.
   • Let a friend know where you are going before going on a date with someone. Do not disclose personal information to strangers and do not borrow money or give access to what you find valuable.
   • As the relationship progresses, interpret 1 lie, broken promise, or ignored responsibility as a potential misunderstanding. Be suspicious of error 2 and cut all contact with error 3.
6. Understand that psychopathy is a condition and not a moral condemnation. If someone has antisocial personality disorder, their behavior may be unacceptable and dealing with them may be unbearable. However, people with antisocial personality disorder or psychopathology are not "malignant" or "bad". These are psychological terms that describe mental illness.
   • While it is important to differentiate between psychological terms and moral judgments, remember that you shouldn't get involved with anyone who has mistreated or abused you.
   • A mental illness is not necessarily an excuse for someone's behavior. The degree to which people with antisocial personality disorder have control over their actions is a complex and controversial topic. Still, you don't have to tolerate someone mistreating you.

Tips

• It's not easy dealing with a friend or relative with a serious mental illness. A therapist can help understand their illness and provide strategies for avoiding potentially dangerous situations.
• Not everyone with antisocial personality disorder will act violently. However, aggressive outbursts and reckless behavior are hallmarks of this condition, so you should be threatened with violence and take verbal or emotional abuse very seriously.
• Anti-social personality disorder affects up to 3% of the population and is not bound by social or economic boundaries. Psychopaths, unlike sociopaths, tend to function better and be less prone to violent or erratic outbursts.