Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Identifying a Sociopath
• Part 2 of 3: Communicating with a Sociopath
• Part 3 of 3: Defending Against Sociopaths
• Tips
• Warnings

Sociopaths are charming people until you get to know them better. If you know someone who is ruthless and loves to manipulate people, then you need to be able to deal with such a person so as not to remain emotionally drained. There is no point in arguing with a sociopath - it’s better to show such a person that you are too smart to fall for his bait.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Identifying a Sociopath

1. 1 Look for signs of sociopathy. Sociopathy is a personality disorder in which there is no empathy for others. Although sociopaths are generally friendly and likeable people, they use their charm to manipulate people. A sociopath can be identified by the following:
   • the ability to charm most people (a kind of "darlings");
   • lack of remorse - they don't feel guilty when they did something wrong;
   • lack of empathy - they don't care if someone is hurt;
   • lie - they easily tell a lie, as if it should be so;
   • the inability to love - this is especially felt by people close to them;
   • self-centeredness - they like to be in the spotlight;
   • megalomania - they are often confident in their own superiority over others.

SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

Liana Georgoulis, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist Dr. Liana Georgulis is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. He is currently the clinical director of Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles, California. Graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Psychology in 2009. She is engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of evidence-based therapy, working with adolescents, adults and couples.

Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist

Understand that an adult sociopath is unlikely to change. Dr. Liana Georgulis, a licensed clinical psychologist, says: “There is an incredible amount of evidence that true sociopaths do not change. In fact, psychotherapy and other types of treatment can make things worse. The only time to intervene is when it comes to a teenager who is possibly a sociopath.Some intervention in childhood and adolescence can help prevent the development of a full-blown disorder, but this is not the case in adults. ”

1. 1 Understand what drives a sociopath. Sociopaths don't want to make the world a better place, help other people, or make commitments (at least to family members). Doing the right thing is not for sociopaths; they want to have power over other people and use it to get what they need - more power, money, sex, and the like.
   • Even if a sociopath does the right thing, it’s for a reason (he’s up to something).
   • Sociopaths often cheat on their partners because they don't feel guilty about themselves.
2. 2 Understand that sociopaths are excellent manipulators. They are dangerous because they can get people to do what they want. Sociopaths use a variety of strategies to do this. They like to pivot people against each other to achieve their own goals, or encourage other people to lie to hide the truth about the sociopath's actions.
   • Sociopaths are often people who destroy other people's marriages; they also love to build love triangles.
   • At work, sociopaths intrigue their colleagues to look good in the eyes of their superiors.
   • In a circle of friends, a sociopath can create a conflict situation by forcing people to take one side or the other (while he or she controls the whole situation in cold blood).
3. 3 Remember that the sociopath doesn't care about your feelings. A sociopath doesn't care if he has used or offended you, because they have no remorse. A key characteristic of a sociopath is that they cannot understand that someone's feelings may be hurt or someone may be harmed by their actions.
   • Sociopaths will not become more empathetic. No amount of talk or expectation will make a sociopath change for the better.
   • If possible, distance yourself from the sociopath - this will make it easier for you to confront him.
4. 4 When faced with a sociopath, use their methods by learning what drives the sociopath and what their weaknesses are. If you fight a sociopath as a normal person, then you will be disappointed or upset.
   • When you interact with a sociopath, be careful and don't try to talk to him in order to change him.
   • Remember that power, not love, is the main motivator for sociopaths, so show them that you are a strong person who will not allow themselves to be dominated.

Part 2 of 3: Communicating with a Sociopath

1. 1 Sociopaths are difficult to deal with, so avoid any contact with them if possible. Your relationship with the sociopath is unlikely to improve. If you are dating someone you suspect of being a sociopath, or that person is your friend, seriously consider ending the relationship.
   • This is especially important if you are an empathetic and sensitive person. These are the people that sociopaths prey on, so break up as quickly as possible.
   • In some cases, it is not possible to end a relationship with a sociopath. For example, a sociopath could be your boss or (much worse) your parent, child, or sibling. If so, then you must learn effective ways to deal with such a person.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Liana Georgoulis, PsyD

   
   
   Licensed Psychologist Dr. Liana Georgulis is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. He is currently the clinical director of Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles, California. Graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Psychology in 2009. She is engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of evidence-based therapy, working with adolescents, adults and couples.

   Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
   Licensed Psychologist

   Whenever possible, try to avoid getting close to a sociopath. Dr. Liana Georgulis, a licensed clinical psychologist, says: “If you have recognized sociopathic traits in someone you know or loved, do your best to reduce or limit contact with them. Sociopaths are dangerous manipulators. They lie, do not feel empathy, care only about their own interests, and it is harmful to be around them. Whatever you say or do, even with the best intentions, is likely to be used to manipulate you. "

2. 2 Be on the lookout. Don't let the sociopath catch you off guard (in a vulnerable position). Do not show your emotions to the sociopath, otherwise he / she will think you are easy to manipulate. Be in complete control of yourself when dealing with a sociopath.
   • Smile in the presence of a sociopath - even if your mood is not conducive to smiling, do not show it to a sociopath.
   • It is important to show the sociopath that you are not easily pissed off or shaken in your confidence. If you feel vulnerable, try to stay away from the sociopath.
3. 3 Be skeptical about anything a sociopath tells you. Remember that sociopaths easily manipulate people to act in their own interests. If you anticipate this in advance, then the sociopath will not be able to manipulate you. Remain calm and unconcerned no matter what the sociopath tells you.
   • For example, if your sociopathic colleague tells you that your boss is unhappy with your last report, don't believe him — you should hear it from your boss himself.
   • Or if, among friends, a sociopath tells you about a party you haven't been invited to, wait for someone else to tell you about the party.
4. 4 When talking to a sociopath, speak up yourself - don't let him talk incessantly. This way, the sociopath won't be able to catch you off guard with some kind of ridicule. Agree with the sociopath whenever possible.
   • Talk, talk and talk again about everything in the world that is neutral and safe (for example, politics, weather, news, sports).
   • Change the subject constantly (especially if the sociopath is trying to harass you) and never be silent, leaving pauses.
5. 5 Never talk about your family, friends, business, finances, dreams, goals, and the like. Sociopaths want to use you, your loved ones, your acquaintances. To prevent manipulation of you, make it clear to the sociopath that you have nothing of interest to him / her (money, connections, etc.).
   • If a sociopath wants to get money from you, store it in such a way that he doesn't know about it at all. A sociopath can view your bank statement (without your permission), so be careful and keep your documents in a safe place. Give the sociopath the impression that you don't have much money, and that family and friends don't have much either.
   • If a sociopath is seeking power, give the impression that you have no connections.
   • If a sociopath wants to exploit you, pretend to be useless so that he / she loses interest in you.
6. 6 Don't tell the sociopath about what makes you happy or upset - the sociopath uses this information as a weapon against you.
   • Do not disclose to a sociopath information about your weaknesses, things that affect your psyche, emotional and physical pain, irritants, actions that bore and hurt you.
   • Don't tell a sociopath that he has wronged you - a sociopath will do it over and over again.

Part 3 of 3: Defending Against Sociopaths

1. 1 Don't let the sociopath know your plans. If a sociopath is aware of your plans ahead of time, he will use it to hinder or humiliate you. If you intend to do something, do not tell him / her about it. Finish your case before sharing information.
   • If you intend to change jobs, first take a mock test, go through an interview, wait for the position to get you, and then share the good news.Once you've accomplished something, the sociopath will have no choice but to congratulate you.
   • If you live or work with a sociopath, take advantage of the time he / she is away from the office or home to buy, change, or complete something. Tell him / her when he / she will return to the office or home.
2. 2 If you want to end your relationship with a sociopath entirely, make it clear that you are not going to be cheated. The sociopath will eventually give up and switch to another (easy) target.
   • Don't react if the sociopath bothers you.
   • If a sociopath is outright lying to you, calmly tell him / her about it.
   • Show that you are not susceptible to his / her manipulation.
3. 3 Don't be obligated to the sociopath - it gives him power over you and the ability to manipulate you. Don't do anything to give the sociopath control over your actions, such as:
   • Don't borrow money from a sociopath.
   • Don't accept gifts from a sociopath (in any form). For example, if a sociopath wants to put in a good word for you in front of your boss, politely decline.
   • Don't accept help from a sociopath (in any form).
   • Don't do anything for which you have to apologize.
4. 4 Get evidence that a sociopath is interfering with your life. Due to the fact that sociopaths tend to be liked by other people, you may not believe that a sociopath is invading your life until you show evidence. Save emails and record the sociopath on your recorder / camera to get the evidence you need.
   • Be careful - recording a person without their knowledge is illegal in some countries. If you are being harassed by a sociopath, talk to a lawyer about how best to gather evidence.
5. 5 Get professional help. If you feel like a sociopath is having a negative impact on your life, talk to a therapist or psychologist about it, who can help you deal with the sociopath by advising you on what to do. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Liana Georgoulis, PsyD

   Licensed Psychologist Dr. Liana Georgulis is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. He is currently the clinical director of Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles, California. Graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Psychology in 2009. She is engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of evidence-based therapy, working with adolescents, adults and couples.

   Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
   Licensed Psychologist

   Protect yourself if you are concerned about your safety. Dr. Liana Georgulis says: “If you are dealing with a sociopath and you think you could potentially be in danger, make a plan to distance yourself from the person and the situation without aggravating the conflict. Get reliable support from healthy people, watch your surroundings and let people know if you think you might be harmed. "

Tips

• Learn to say no. Nothing deterred a sociopath from an easy goal more than a lack of "nourishment" (help or money).
• Never tell them that they are wrong. Sociopaths always believe they are right and will always try to win - no matter what. Telling them they are wrong or defensively will lead to an argument or fight.
• The sociopath needs to know that the end is near. Don't be interested in anything he tells you, because sociopaths are great manipulators who believe their ways are the best means. Be always on the lookout.
• Defend your position calmly, showing no emotion - no raised voice or tears. Continue to stand your ground if they try to influence your decision, and don't give up. Repeat these words: "No ... It doesn't work for me ... Thank you, but in my case it won't work ... Thank you, I'll think about it." Don't let them pin you to the wall.
• Sociopaths are not as dangerous as they seem.In reality, 4% of all executives are sociopaths. They just lack some traits for people to call them "killers." Since sociopaths have no remorse or guilt and have self-confidence and charm, they quickly move up the career ladder.
• Don't believe anything sociopaths say - they lie about everything, even if it doesn't benefit them.

Warnings

• It is best to avoid sociopaths. If you can't completely avoid them, try to involve people in power in your life. Notify the sociopath that you are telling such people about everything that happens in your life. Psychopaths are extremely uncomfortable when there is a police officer or psychiatrist (doctor) nearby.