Ten Signs You're Dealing with an Almost Psychopath
1. Lacks empathy
They’re insensitive to others’ feelings, and when they show emotion, it’s often shallow. “When these people are confronted with angry faces, they don’t respond in ay way,” Schouten says.
Telltale catch phrase: “Why are you getting so upset?”
2. Makes self-serving moral choices
They cheat — at the self-checkout line, at work, and on their spouses and partners.
Telltale catch phrase: “This isn’t hurting anyone.”
3. Lies repeatedly and unnecessarily
They’ll fib about their job, their SAT score, or their military service. “It’s all about making themselves appear better, more intellectual, and more skilled than they really are,” Schouten says.
Telltale catch phrase: “Bill Clinton and I were just chatting….”
4. Is a master manipulator
They’ll spin tales to dupe, deceive, and distract, and the larger the authority figure they fool, the happier they are.
Telltale catch phrase: “Can you help out this Nigerian prince I know?”
5. Deflects blame
You can see it in domestic violence cases — with the offender blaming the victim for driving them into a rage — and also at the office. “They bitch and moan every year at their review when things don’t go their way,” Silver says.
Telltale catch phrase: “It’s not my fault.”
6. Shows no remorse
When they express regret, it’s often only because they’ve been caught. Many don’t even understand the concept of remorse, Schouten says. “You have to explain it to them.”
Telltale catch phrase: “Why would I be sorry?”
7. Is two-faced
They’re nice to your face, then talk about you behind your back. “And it’s not just with individual relationships, but loyalty to coworkers, organization, country, or any sort of committed relationship,” Schouten says.
Telltale catch phrase: “God, I can’t stand her.”
8. Ignores responsibilities
They shirk work duties, child-support payments, or financial obligations. They avoid credit card debt by opening new accounts — in someone else’s name.
Telltale catch phrase: “It completely slipped my mind.”
9. Uses people
The world is their oyster, and you’re picking up the tab.
Telltale catch phrase: “I totally forgot my wallet.”
10. Is superficially charming and glib
They try incredibly hard to make you like them, or think that they’re just like you. “It’s that fake flash of a smile, no sincerity behind it,” Schouten says.
Telltale catch phrase: “I love your [fill in the blank] — I have one just like it.”
