IS it possible for a person to have been so surrounded by sociopaths as a child that as an adult they cannot distinguish who is or is not normal?

Answer 1

That's an interesting question. The average "normal" or non-sociopath cannot readily distinguish between the two. That is why the sociopath's style works for them. It may be that such a person, whom you describe, is actually at an advantage for distinguishing between the two. If you educate yourself on the traits of a sociopath, you'll find that there are subtle, but very distinct behaviors that a person shows when he/she actually has emotions. While a sociopath can mimic the expression of emotions, they fail horribly (but mostly undetected unless you are looking for it) at mimicking the reception of emotionally rich stimuli. In other words, they display short, awkward responses to incredibly disturbing events. So, if you actually have the ability to feel, you know, because youfeel it. You feel guilt, remorse, sadness (not to be confused with the sociopath's ability to cry... because crying also expresses frustration and exhaustion and impatience...which a sociopath does experience), love, empathy, sympathy, etc. Anyone who displays these things and also displays the effects that these have on a normal person long after the event, is not a sociopath. There is help for victims (those whose lives have been skewed by the involvement with, or effects of a sociopath-like person. (You can find more on Marion Trent's website: http:/www.sociopathicstyle.com) on the internet. Be very careful about the sources you use... most are quite accurate, others, that also sound less professional and responsible, are not accurate. You can start with the link mentioned above for more information. It is a very good site that I recently found after studying the condition for a number of years. Good luck.