How can you tell if you're a sociopath?

Answer 1

Sociopaths are people who think only of themselves, have no empathy (the ability to understand others' emotions) and no conscience. If you are concerned about the possibility, you almost certainly are not sociopathic. I would suggest, however, that you might want to consult a professional who can help you sort things out. You don't seem too pleased with yourself, judging by the question.

For a subjective -- and highly illustrative -- description of sociopathic behavior, see the entry below.

Hello, first off let me say that I am a diagnosed Sociopath and am completely aware of it. I am sure every Sociopath either knows that SOMETHING is not "normal" about them or has NO bearing in life whatsoever, where as I want to live comfortably and with no publicity.

I am a 28 year old male and live an everyday life. I have a beautiful girlfriend who I am very fond of and a good job that I am very good at. I would like to start by saying that a lot of the definitions of Sociopathic behavior are MOSTLY true. I love the bits about us not being able to discern right from wrong, being liars, have no regard for laws or peoples feelings and that we are synonomous with criminal behavior. Let's address the "right and wrong" bit first.

I was born into a wonderful Mormon family of 7 (5 children and 2 parents...yes ORIGINAL parents for all 5 kids and yes our parents are still together) who taught me the basics of life and what emotions are and the reaction to them. For anyone with any kind of intelligence, they will tend to think about the end result, I.E. consequences. So when you say Sociopaths have no understanding of right and wrong, that is an insult to those of us with intelligence. I quote Sherlock Holmes, "Elementary, my dear Watson." If you do wrong, there will be consequences and sometimes that means jail. Once again, anyone with intelligence knows "Jail = Bad" therefore we HAVE to understand what wrong is in order to stay OUT of jail.

I also love the blame for people's behavior on the media. The media has only done me wonders and probably saved a ton of other people from grief in the process. Movies and family have given me the greatest unerstanding into true human behavior and a knowledge of what to do, how to react and when. That's why these kids that go into their schools shooting aren't real Sociopaths, because they CARE about what other people think and they feel the need to prove something, where as I might be inclined to do something like that, just to do it, if I were an idiot and didn't think about my punishment in the long run.

Growing up, on the other hand, was very difficult. I remember hurting almost all my pets until I was aound 18, not to just hurt them, but out of sheer curiosity to see what would happen to them. I recall one instance where I was around 12 and my sister wasn't home so I decided to take her Gerbil out of its cage and put it in the toilet to see if it would either flush or swim. After a few attempts I found that it was one hell of a swimmer. Now that I found out the answer to my question I decided to up the stakes and see what a plunger would do while flushing. Amazingly after many attempts he was still afloat and alive (though his eye had popped out of his head). So, rather than get in trouble, I put him back in his cage (eye still out) and denied any interaction with the animal even though she and my parents knew otherwise.

I, however, am HUGE on enabling. If you let me use you, I will until my heart is content. If you're that weak and stupid, what would be the reason for me to feel bad for you? Answer: None whatsoever. Matter of fact, I will probably make you a stronger and less naive person for it. After all, It's a fool who looks for logic within the confines of the human heart.

As for Lying. Lying, lying, lying. I can't speak for all Sociopaths on this matter, but I never lie. Not because I feel the need to tell the turth, I just love the reaction I get from honesty. I think that's why my Girlfriend likes me so much. If she asks, "Do I look fat in this?" she knows she will get an honest answer. It did take her some time to get used to of course, but I think without honesty I would be Girlfriend-less.

I know I will get an abundant outcry of, "Psycho", "Lunatic" and "Jerk" for posting this, but unless you haven't been paying attention...I won't really care. I'm not writing this for validation or to enlighten you, I have just been drinking a little, watching "Pirates of the Carribean" and had nothing better to do. I could say and write more but it would be presumptuous for me to think that you made it this far. Feel free to ask me any questions. Have a pleasant evening, or morning or whatever.

I am a 13 year veteran dealing w/ a significant other/marriage to a sociopath. I am guessing you have not told your gf you are a sociopath. If I could contact her, I would warn her of the hellish existence in store for her and any children she may conceive with you. At least 50% of your offspring will likely be a sociopath as well. It will destroy her life.

As for your statement about lying vs. honesty, you are convinced you are honest, but your "honesty" is only a means of self-gratification when and if you actually use it, if you are even able to decipher the difference between a lie and honesty. You believe you own lies so much, you probably don't know the difference between truth or deception.

As for your reason for responding to this question? Ego. Sociopaths think they know everything and that they are much more intelligent than everyone else. Despite their disregard of other people's feelings, you do seek approval through displays of "intelligence".

Answer 2

Given the fact you needed to ask this, I wouldn't worry about being one. A sociopath (which isn't a very good medical term, it's called antisocial personality disorder) is aware of their differences and employ them for their own benefit. If you were a sociopath, you would be pursuing some immoral if not illegal endeavor, not asking people for help in diagnosing yourself.