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Getty Images/iStockphotoSome people light up a room with their natural charm and charisma.
They’re the life of the party, the ones who always know what to say at exactly the right moment, and the person everyone just seems to love. However, there could be a much darker side beneath their magnetic exterior. Under all that charm, they could be hiding psychopathic traits you didn’t even know existed. Here are a few warning signs to look out for.
1. Their stories are always changing or just seem… off.
One day they’re a decorated war hero, the next they’re a renowned surgeon with a tragic past. If you find yourself scratching your head, wondering how their life stories could be so vastly different from one conversation to the next, it might be a red flag. While everyone embellishes a story here and there, consistent inconsistencies could indicate a deeper issue – a disregard for truth and a tendency to manipulate narratives to suit their needs.
2. They’re masters of manipulation and control.
Psychopaths often possess an uncanny ability to manipulate and control those around them. They might use charm, guilt, or intimidation to get what they want. If you frequently feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them, unsure of what might trigger their anger or displeasure, it could be a sign that they’re pulling the strings behind the scenes.
3. They lack empathy and remorse.
One of the most chilling characteristics of a psychopath is their lack of empathy. They might feign concern or sadness, but it often feels hollow and insincere. They don’t truly understand or care about anyone else’s feelings. If you notice that they seem indifferent to people’s suffering, or never seem remorseful when they hurt people, it’s a significant warning sign.
4. They’re impulsive and reckless.
Psychopaths often have a penchant for impulsive and reckless behaviour. They might engage in risky activities without considering the consequences for themselves or anyone else. They may have a history of legal troubles, financial instability, or broken relationships due to their impulsive nature. While spontaneity can be fun, a consistent pattern of reckless behaviour should raise concerns.
5. They’re overly charming and charismatic.
While charm can be a positive trait, psychopaths often use it as a tool for manipulation. They may be incredibly charming and charismatic, effortlessly drawing people into their orbit. However, this charm can feel superficial and insincere upon closer inspection. If their charisma feels like a performance rather than a genuine expression of their personality, it could be a warning sign.
6. They have a grandiose sense of self-importance.
Psychopaths often believe better than everyone else. They brag about their achievements, exaggerate their talents, or constantly chase and admiration. If their sense of self-importance seems inflated, and if they just can’t accept criticism or acknowledge their own flaws, it could be a sign of a deeper psychological issue.
7. All of their relationships are superficial.
Psychopaths often struggle to form real connections with people. They usually have a string of short-lived relationships or friendships that end abruptly. They also tend to find it impossible to maintain long-term commitments. If their relationship history seems shallow and marked by a lack of genuine intimacy, it could be a red flag.
8. They’re far too good at lying and deceiving.
Psychopaths are often pathological liars. They might lie about their past, their accomplishments, or their intentions. They might also engage in gaslighting, a form of manipulation that makes you doubt your own perception of reality. If you find yourself questioning your own sanity or constantly catching them in lies, it’s a major warning sign.
9. They blame everyone else for their own problems.
Source: Unsplash Psychopaths rarely take responsibility for their actions or mistakes. They often blame everyone else for their problems, failures, or shortcomings. They might play the victim, deflecting blame and refusing to acknowledge their own role in negative situations. If you notice a pattern of blame-shifting and a refusal to accept accountability, it could be a sign of psychopathic tendencies.
10. They don’t seem to have any genuine feelings.
Source: Unsplash While psychopaths can mimic emotions, their displays often feel forced and insincere. They might laugh at inappropriate times or express sadness without shedding a tear. If their emotions seem shallow, fleeting, or inconsistent with the situation, it could be a warning sign that they’re not experiencing genuine feelings.
11. They’re good at reading and exploiting people.
Source: Unsplash Psychopaths often possess a keen ability to read people’s emotions and vulnerabilities. They might use this knowledge to manipulate and exploit people for their own gain. They may be able to charm their way into your confidence, only to later betray your trust or take advantage of your kindness. If you feel like they’re constantly trying to figure you out and use your weaknesses against you, it’s a major red flag.
12. They have a dark or violent sense of humour.
Source: Unsplash Psychopaths often find amusement in things that most people find disturbing or offensive. They might make jokes about violence, death, or suffering. They might also enjoy manipulating or humiliating people for their own amusement. If their sense of humour consistently crosses the line and leaves you feeling uncomfortable or disturbed, it could be a sign of a deeper psychological issue.
13. They live a parasitic lifestyle.
Source: Unsplash Psychopaths often rely on other people for financial support, emotional validation, or social status. They might manipulate their way into relationships or friendships to gain access to resources or opportunities. If you notice that they’re constantly taking from people without giving anything in return, it could be a sign that they’re exploiting you.
14. They don’t have any long-term goals or ambitions.
Source: Unsplash Psychopaths often live in the moment, with little regard for the future. They might have difficulty holding down a job, maintaining stable relationships, or planning for the future. If they seem aimless and lack any real ambition or direction in life, it could be a sign of a deeper psychological issue.
15. They have a history of cruelty to animals.
Source: Unsplash While not all psychopaths exhibit this trait, research has shown a correlation between cruelty to animals and psychopathic tendencies. If they have a history of harming or abusing animals, it’s a serious red flag that should not be ignored. It could indicate a lack of empathy and a disregard for the suffering of living beings.
