4. Narcissism and superiority complexes are common.
Although not all narcissists are psychopaths, most psychopaths do have traits of narcissism inside them. They’ll act naturally superior to others even if there isn’t anything to warrant their inflated ego.
In the mind of psychopath who exhibits narcissistic traits, they often feel as if being better than their surrounding peers justifies their manipulative and cold-hearted actions. Similarly, they’ve also reported that those beneath them deserve to be scrutinized and mistreated.
A Book: Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men.
3. Manipulation comes naturally.
Manipulative traits are developed throughout the lifetime, usually beginning in childhood, and often come habitually. As such, they’re basically professionals at manipulating people with their false charm. In fact, despite their pathological lying, psychopaths often present themselves as being exceptionally honest, good-hearted people. The scariest part is that people often believe it because they’re such good actors.
In 2017, a study was conducted in Texas by Shannon Kelly and other colleagues. They gave psychopaths a self-reported questionnaire, measuring how kind and good of a person they are. Then, they gave their roommates (who were unaware of psychopathy) the same questionnaire and asked them to rate the psychopaths.
Unsurprisingly, the psychopaths rated themselves as highly honest, good-hearted, and not manipulative. What is unsettling, however, is that their roommates also reported the psychopaths as being good people, too. This provides evidence of how well they fooled people through their manipulations.
2. Multiple sexual partners and short-term relationships.
Psychopaths often have a pattern of unstable relationships and multiple one-night stands. Their need to relieve their boredom often leads to risky sexual encounters without any intention of meeting them again. Along with that, based on the previously listed items on this list, it’s no surprise their relationships are short-lived.
Either the psychopath becomes bored and believes they could do better than their partner, discarding them first. Or their partner breaks up with them due to their abusive and toxic behaviors. Regardless, unstable relationships throughout their lifespan are often an indicator of psychopathy.
Recommended: Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse.
1. They seek revenge.
Psychopaths seek revenge far more than any other personality disorder or mental illness found in other individuals. Along with that, psychopathy predicts revenge more than any combination of the big five personality traits. The saying, “Don’t get mad, get even” is often the psychopath’s mantra.
Interestingly, however, psychopaths report little aggression or emotional reaction when initially provoked. Instead, they usually act cool and collected, only to scheme and plan their revenge later. Whether it’s a plan to ruin a reputation or to damage their property, hurting a psychopath’s ego will often result in some form of revenge.
Those were the top 13 traits of a psychopath. If you found this article beneficial, please, don’t forget to share it with your friends.
Read More: 12 Signs You’ve Met a Sociopath But Just Don’t Know It.
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