1. Confidence and Charisma

One of the easiest ways to spot a sociopath is by studying the way they behave. Most sociopaths are extremely confident and charismatic, winning people over very easily. They may seem full of themselves, and they’ll probably speak in charming, almost poetic language, making you think they are very intelligent (which they generally are!).

2. Manipulative

If you find yourself wondering why you are engaging in activities or behaving in a way you’re not happy with, perhaps look to someone in your life. Sociopaths are very good at manipulating people, and will do it in such a way that you will feel that it was all your idea in the first place. No one likes to be manipulated, and it is important that you stand your ground.

3. Lack of Guilt or Remorse

A sociopath will rarely apologise, and will rarely show guilt or remorse for anything bad they may have done. Because they have an antisocial personality disorder, it makes it harder for them to identify how their actions may make others feel. They may know that they have upset you, but they won’t understand and probably won’t care.

4. Extravagant Lies

Because of their overwhelming charisma, don’t be surprised if you believe all of the lies a sociopath tells you. No matter how crazy and elaborate they are, they will probably manage to convince you that they are telling the truth. If you can keep a critical eye, try to identify the lies before you get caught up in them.

5. Intense Anger

It is totally normal to get angry every now and then, but the anger of a sociopath is often far more intense than that of a normal person, and can potentially be quite violent. It is important that you look after yourself, and if you feel that someone you know is experiencing very intense anger, find somewhere you feel safe.

6. Extended Eye Contact

As stated earlier, sociopaths don’t really understand how their actions make other people feel. They will often hold eye contact for an unnecessarily long time, making you feel rather uncomfortable. This will make them seem even more confident, but yet it is still rather unsettling.

7. Seeking and Enjoying Danger

In very dangerous or terrifying situations, sociopaths will often stay very calm, or even look to be really enjoying themselves, while anyone else would be very scared or worried. They often experiment and fall victim to alcohol and drugs, as a way of experiencing the world in a way that is different to the one they live in and feel disconnected to. Danger attracts sociopaths as a way to ‘experience something’, as much of their lives are lived not feeling much at all.

While not all of these points mean that the person you know is a sociopath, it is important that you are able to recognise these signs and make sure that you don’t fall victim to a poisonous relationship. Your safety is the top priority! Do you know someone who you think might be a sociopath?