Did you know that psychopaths make up 1% of U.S. residents? Considering the population of the United States of America was estimated to be 323 million in 2016, that’s over 3 million psychopaths casually living amongst us. Luckily for us, the majority of psychopaths aren’t the violent serial killer characters we see in movies. Arguing with a psychopath, however, can be a complete waste of your time and energy because they’re not wired to understand emotions on the same level.
Mindful Monday: 4 Signs You’re Arguing with a Psychopath
Psychopaths are seasoned social chameleons capable of charming their way into any social circle. They are seasoned experts at morphing their identities to get what they want from people. Their psychopathic tendencies can go undetected their entire lives, but it’s more likely that their true colors come out to play frequently. Triggers tend to be when they feel threatened or bored.
Here are a few signs that you’re arguing with a psychopath and it’s time to detach from that person as soon as humanly possible.
#1 They play with you for fun.
If their sole aim in life seems to be using words or creating situations specifically to generate a reaction from you, they are likely entertaining themselves by toying with you – as a cat plays with a mouse. Psychopaths usually have hugely overinflated egos. They will take great pleasure in regularly undermining you. Their new hobby is pushing you for a reaction so that you finally snap and seem ”crazy” or unprofessional to others. This is how they entertain themselves for fun, which makes them dangerous.
#2 They have an excuse for every mistake.
Psychopaths are wired to talk the talk to impress and influence those around them. They rarely follow through on their promises. They will have an excuse for every mistake and for why things aren’t done. Perhaps most disturbingly, they will get great satisfaction in arguing with you – it’s a sport to them – which is why it’s important for you to disengage.
#3 They have multiple personalities.
You may notice some different personalities slip out when arguing with a psychopath. If all three signs so far sound familiar, start detaching yourself from this person. First, a word of warning; when psychopaths feel you beginning to withdraw, they will shower you with compliments and flattery to reel you back in. Now is the time to be brave and eliminate them from your life before they cause more damage.
#4 They play the victim.
If every hurtful work or mistake they make somehow becomes your fault or leads back to what a difficult life they say they’ve experienced, they’re attempting to manipulate you. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, they’ve marked you as their prey. They’ll keep coming at you until you disentangle. Even then, their behavior may get worse before it gets better. Every move they make is premeditated to get a reaction from you. The goal here is to smear your reputation in the workplace, your social circle or in front of their potential new love interest if you’re currently dating this person. Remember this before you react and play into their trap.
