There’s a stark contrast between a quirky new romantic partner and a toxic one with psychopathic tendencies.
The difference is all about patterns.
A psychopath, you see, will do things to control you while masking their true motives with charm and attention.
Dating someone new, on the other hand, should feel like a breath of fresh air, full of mutual respect and genuine care.
Recognizing a psychopath early in the relationship can be tricky, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.
Here are seven signs to look out for that might suggest you’re dating a psychopath.
And remember – knowledge is power!
Armed with these tips, you could save yourself a lot of heartache down the line.
1) Excessive charm
Psychopaths are often mistaken for just being charismatic and exciting.
But there’s a difference between a genuinely charming individual and a psychopath.
A psychopath uses their charm as a manipulation tool, it’s not about genuine connection but about getting what they want.
It’s not uncommon for a psychopath to turn on the charm to an excessive degree early on in the relationship.
They’ll shower you with compliments, attention, and affection to win you over and to make you feel special.
This is often referred to as “love bombing”, and it’s a tactic commonly used by individuals with psychopathic tendencies.
Beware of this excessive charm, especially if it feels too good to be true or is moving at a pace that feels uncomfortably fast.
2) Lack of empathy
Here’s where it gets personal. I once dated someone who seemed perfect on the surface.
They were charming, successful, and doted on me constantly.
But there was one thing that always felt off – they never seemed to show genuine empathy.
When I had a bad day at work or was dealing with family issues, they would listen but never seem to truly empathize with my feelings.
It was as if they were playing a role, acting like they cared but not really feeling it.
It felt like they didn’t understand or didn’t want to understand my emotions.
It was like talking to a brick wall.
Psychopaths often struggle with empathy.
They might pretend to care about your feelings, but in reality, they lack the ability to genuinely empathize with others.
This is a big red flag and something you should keep an eye out for in your new partner.
3) Impulsivity
Impulsivity is another common trait among psychopaths.
They tend to make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences.
This could mean anything from making extravagant purchases on a whim to quitting a job without having another one lined up.
Interestingly, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, this impulsivity could be due to abnormalities in how their brains process rewards and consequences.
The study found that the brains of psychopaths show greater activity in response to immediate rewards, suggesting they might be more prone to impulsive actions.
So if your new partner is consistently making rash decisions without thinking about the future, it could be a sign you’re dating a psychopath.
4) Pathological lying
One of the hallmarks of a psychopath is habitual lying.
This isn’t your occasional white lie or fib – we’re talking about constant, unnecessary, and often elaborate tales that serve no other purpose than to deceive.
Psychopaths lie to manipulate others and to create a facade.
They might lie about their past, their job, their achievements, or even their feelings towards you.
It’s all part of their strategy to control and exploit.
If you’re constantly catching your new partner in lies, big or small, take note.
This could be a sign that you’re dealing with a psychopath.
Truth and honesty are the foundations of a healthy relationship, and consistent lying can be a major red flag.
5) Emotional manipulation
I’ll never forget the time when I felt like I was walking on eggshells around a former partner.
Every disagreement or conflict would turn into a dramatic event, and somehow, I would always end up being the one to apologize, even when I hadn’t done anything wrong.
This partner knew exactly how to twist situations and make me feel guilty, even for standing up for myself.
It was an emotional rollercoaster, and I constantly felt like I was the one messing up.
This is a classic example of emotional manipulation, a common tactic used by psychopaths.
They are masters at turning things around, making you question your sanity, and ultimately gaining control over your emotions.
6) Shallow emotions
Psychopaths are known for their inability to feel deep emotions.
They might put on a good show, but their feelings are often shallow and fleeting.
They can express emotions when it’s convenient for them or when they want to manipulate someone, but these emotions lack depth and sincerity.
You might find them laughing one moment and indifferent the next, with no real transition or reason.
This lack of emotional depth can make it difficult to form a meaningful emotional connection with them.
7) Lack of remorse or guilt
Perhaps the most alarming trait of a psychopath is their lack of remorse or guilt.
They can hurt others without feeling any sense of wrongdoing.
This is because they lack the ability to genuinely empathize with others and see the harm they cause.
They might hurt you, betray you, or lie to you without showing any signs of regret or guilt.
They may even justify their harmful actions instead of taking responsibility.
This lack of remorse is not just a red flag – it’s a flashing warning sign.
No one deserves to be in a relationship where they are not respected and valued.
Trust your instincts
Understanding human behavior, particularly when it comes to something as complex as psychopathy, is a challenging task.
It intertwines with our biology, upbringing, experiences, and environments in ways we’re still learning about.
A study found that individuals with psychopathic traits often have differences in the structure of their brains, particularly in areas related to empathy and remorse.
But remember, while it’s important to be aware of these signs, they’re not definitive proof that someone is a psychopath.
Many people can display some of these behaviors at times without being psychopaths.
The most important thing is to trust your instincts.
If something feels off, it probably is. Listen to your gut feelings and don’t ignore red flags.
You deserve a relationship that brings you happiness and respect, not fear or confusion.
Understanding these traits is just a step towards ensuring that you surround yourself with healthy relationships.
Always prioritize your well-being and never be afraid to seek help if you find yourself in a difficult situation.
