Sociopaths lie for many reasons. Some lie to manipulate people into doing what they want. Others simply do it out of habit or for a thrill. If caught in a lie, a sociopath may invent more lies to cover it up. This can make it difficult to untangle their web of deceit. For instance, maybe your boyfriend says he’s been at his friend’s house, but his friend just posted on social media that he was out of town. When you point this out, your boyfriend then makes up a new friend that you have never heard of before.
A few manipulative techniques that sociopaths favor include taking advantage of your sense of pity, making you feel guilty, flattering you, and assuming a fake personality. Does your girlfriend always expect you to pay for everything–not just dates, but her bills, cosmetic treatments and all-girl’s getaways? And, when you say “Hey, I don’t have money to pay for that,” she says “If you loved me, you would get it for me?” This can be a form of manipulation.
For example, are you often fearful of getting into trouble in their presence? Maybe your boyfriend has a total disregard for paying bills on time, so your shared vehicle gets repossessed. Or, your girlfriend goes and jumps in a private pool despite a clear sign saying “No Trespassing!”
Irresponsible spending, risky sexual behavior, and unsafe driving are a few impulsive behaviors that sociopaths may engage in. Have you and your significant other had problems with cheating? Maybe your partner tells you that they slept with someone else because you had upset them. This demonstrates rash decision-making along with instant gratification without any regard to the consequences–both of which indicate sociopathy.
For example, when you are introduced to new people, do they always comment on how outgoing and charismatic your date is? Do you introduce him or her to relatives and they immediately believe your date is the greatest? Maybe this person even acts differently in different settings or around certain people. They may change their likes and dislikes depending on their audience at a given time.
A sociopath may be able to put on a convincing display of empathy if the situation calls for it. Due to sociopaths’ well-developed social skills, most people have a hard time recognizing that such displays of emotion are fake.
Experts believe that psychopathy arises from primarily genetic factors, while sociopathy can be the result of genetics, childhood trauma, or both.
Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed based on the traits sociopaths and psychopaths share, including lack of consideration for others, lack of guilt, and disregard for social customs and rules. [9] X Research source
Sociopaths might not be physically violent, but their lies and manipulation can still be hurtful to the people around them. If you think your partner is a sociopath, take steps to protect yourself emotionally.
