A person with psychopathy has a neurologically impaired conscience and little to no sympathy for others.Most people are unfamiliar with the harmful effects of "prosocial" psychopaths, even though they are depicted in movies.Psychopaths are often under the radar because they are able to behave in line with their society's expectations.Psychopaths can cause emotional and financial damage in your life if you allow them to get too close.
Step 1: There are contradictions in speech.
A statement that is opposed to what they said at the beginning is what a psychopath may end a conversation with.Psychopathy is a sign of dishonest and pathological lying.The person may talk about how disrespectful it is that your coworker always shows up late and does things they are not supposed to, and then moments later the person will break the rules without apology.Keep track of what is said over time because the contradictions may not occur in the same conversation.It's a good idea to log important information in a journal.
Step 2: Make sure to double check what is said.
Psychopaths talk a lot about the people in their lives because they see them as extensions of themselves.A psychopath will tell lies about their family and the people in their life.Psychopaths give out half-truths.They don't have a problem keeping important information away from you.If the person has told you stories of betrayal or tragedy, you should be able to verify them.
Step 3: Take a look at scapegoating.
A psychopath will blame others for their actions if they refuse to take responsibility.They will show no remorse if there is irrefutable evidence that they are at fault.A psychopath will try to control the narrative by making an altered version of events, which may be very different from what you experienced.Gaslighting is when this can cause you to question yourself.Because of their grandiose sense of self-worth, psychopaths may brag about or even take credit for the work of others.
Step 4: You should watch for quick changes in the conversation.
When you broach a subject that might reveal their anti-sociality, notice if they quickly and smoothly change topics.They may quickly dismiss discussions of their odd behavior by accusing you of causing too much drama, or they may insist that you are mentally ill and need professional help.
Step 5: Assess reactions to difficult events.
Psychopaths may respond in a way that seems forced or artificial, because they lack empathy.A psychopath may express their disappointment in a way that lacks emotion, but only with words.Psychopaths may not try to resolve the issue after hearing troubling news.When you least expect it, they may have a very strong reaction.Fear of being caught, taking offense to something minor due to their poor self-esteem, or misreading a situation and thinking they should "fake" a response are some of the reasons why this could be.
Step 6: Look for signs of self-victimization.
A psychopath may try to make you feel bad for them.Tones of voice and blame can be signs of sympathy.They deny responsibility for their actions.When the person needs an excuse as to why they made a mistake, watch for this behavior.If they make everything about them and how hard they are, without apologizing or taking responsibility, it's a red flag.
Step 7: Determine how often you are questioned.
Keep a record of all the times they ask you questions about how you would act in certain situations.It's possible that they don't feel right in certain situations and have to go somewhere else to get the data.If you came out of your apartment and saw me hiding in the bushes, what would you do?A normal person wouldn't need to ask about this.
Step 8: There is a desire to move quickly into a relationship.
If you are thinking of getting into a relationship with someone but are worried they might be a psychopath, try to get a sense of how fast they want to move.Do they, after no time at all, call you endearing terms?Do they want you to bring them into your circle of trust?Do they want you to share living quarters after a meeting?
Step 9: Look for changes in your attention.
A psychopath may set up a dynamic in which they lavish you with attention, then give you the cold shoulder.You feel great when you return to their good graces, because of the boost of dopamine and endorphins.You are manipulated into being addicted to them, so you forgive any transgressions they committed against you.