Think you're in a relationship with a sociopath?

If you think that you may be dating a sociopath, you’re not alone. In fact, sociopathy is very common—it's estimated that as many as 1 out of every 25 people is a sociopath.

While stigma against sociopaths exists and they are sometimes painted as violent criminals, sociopaths are very likely to be just like us. Sociopaths may exist in your friend group, your workplace, or even in your love life.

What is a sociopath?

The words “sociopath” and “sociopathy” are not an official diagnosis. Rather, they are both more casual terms used to describe individuals who demonstrate antisocial tendencies. It is thought that the circumstances of their environment and upbringing are what influence sociopaths to act the way they do.

If you think that you might be in a relationship with a sociopath, ask yourself if your partner demonstrates any of the following tendencies.

Behaviors and characteristics of a sociopath may include some or all of the following:

A lack of empathy.

Frequent lying.

Manipulative tendencies.

Disregard for what is “right” and “wrong”.

Reckless or aggressive behavior

Selfishness at the expense of others.

However, a so-called “high functioning sociopath” will be more difficult to spot, especially when their sociopath symptoms and sociopath traits aren’t immediately obvious. These individuals are often very successful and find themselves in high positions (think CEOs, for instance).

What’s next?

If any of these signs and symptoms seem familiar to you and you think that you are or have been in a relationship with a sociopath, we highly recommend that you contact an Online Counselor. 

Why?

While sociopaths aren’t evil or violent by default, there are still very real risks associated with dating a sociopath. Because sociopaths are comfortable with lying, for instance, your relationship may suffer severely. Additionally, sociopaths are often unaware of or uncaring about the emotions of others—that means you. It’s more likely that, when you’re dating a sociopath, aspects of the relationship will be pursued for selfish gain. By dating a sociopath, you put yourself at risk of being used.

An Online Counselor will be able to help you process past or current relationships, teach you how to recover from a relationship with a sociopath and how to spot a sociopath in the future, discuss sociopath meaning with you, identify the possible signs of a sociopath in your partner, and help you to make safe, effective decisions that are best for you and your relationship. They’ll discuss possible risks with you while providing a knowledgeable outlet to discuss concerns.

We strongly believe that there is a solution for every relationship, and often it is awareness and honest discussion that serves as the start of fulfilling resolutions, all of this begins with online counseling. Browse through our list of Online Counselors and message them for free.