According to Dr. Stout, author of The Sociopath Next Door
- Accept that some people have no conscience; that there are evil people in this world who do not act out of concern or love for another.
- Listen to your instincts — labels (professional roles) do not make a good person. Look carefully at someone who “carries” a professional label, judging whether that individual’s behavior fits what is expected of that professional role.
- Practice the rule of threes — One lie or broken promise may be a misunderstanding, two lies may involve a serious mistake, three lies — the individual is not trustworthy. Stay away from that individual.
- Question authority.
- Suspect flattery — when someone flatters you excessively, telling you how much they appreciate you or like it when you visit or how much they enjoy your conversations.
- Redefine your concept of respect — respect must be earned. Don’t automatically give respect to an individual because of her professional role or her relationship to you.
- Refuse to join the game — do not try to outsmart the sociopath. Do not reduce yourself to his level.
- Once you identify a sociopath, avoid him, refuse any kind of interaction. It is the only way to protect yourself.
- Question your tendency to pity too easily. Anyone who actively campaigns for your pity or consistently hurts others is likely a sociopath. Pity should be reserved for those who truly deserve it. Make sure the individual who seeks your help really needs it.
- Do not try to redeem the unredeemable. If you are dealing with someone without a conscience, you cannot change them, no matter how educated or loving you are. Sociopaths have no reason to change; they like who they are.
- Never agree to help a sociopath conceal her true character. You don’t owe the sociopath anything. Don’t believe that you are like her, no matter what she says. You are nothing like her.
- Defend your psyche. Humanity is not a failure. Being kind and loving and caring is the best way to live. It is the way most people live their lives.
- Living well is the best revenge.
Related articles
- What not to read before bed (morvensblog.wordpress.com)
- Doc Bonn Explains: The Difference Between a Sociopath and a Psychopath (psychopathresistance.wordpress.com)
- Sociopaths and Psychopaths: Can They Be Cured? (phoenixsphere.com)
- Sociopaths R Us (lewrockwell.com)
- “Because most humans aren’t full-on sociopaths, alcohol and drugs are pretty much the only way…” (darkerme.com)
- Setting yourself up to be Judged (spreadinformation.wordpress.com)
- Why We Love Sociopaths (thelastpsychiatrist.com)
- Denzel Washington Studied Sociopaths for Safe House Role (shoppingblog.com)
- A Real Capacity for Evil (lewrockwell.com)
- Cape Fear (1991) (hesnersfilmcritiques.com)
- The Ascendence of Sociopaths in US Governance (theburningplatform.com)
