I Doubt You're A Sociopath If...

I’ve a had a few comments and private messages from people who are concerned they may be sociopaths or share some characteristics– to one LJ flister I said:

“I sincerely doubt you’re a sociopath. Some of the traits I listed, alone and in different contexts, fit other issues. For example, anhedonia– which is a low-grade ongoing depression. The brain feels no joy and feels cut off from others (but the DESIRE for joy and attachment remains– unlike a sociopath who scoffs at such things) and a person may take some odd risks because the consequences don’t feel that real and/or they’re not so thrilled about being alive anyway. Also, Asperger’s Syndrome may be a possibility– my friend Cat has the mild autism, along with the social awkwardness and social anxiety that characterizes that issue. Even being bullied as much as you were fits that. Most people with Asperger’s were because they are so bad at picking up subtle social cues and that tends to make people feel uncomfortable. They retaliate by picking on the person who makes them feel that way– especially as children or teens.

I think you’re safe!“

So calm down people!! LOL! Its all cool!

Yes, there are a lot of sociopaths out in the world, 1 in 20 or 25 so we’re all going to run into them pretty regularly. However, I’m pretty sure most people who read my blog regularly are not apt to be so. (Other than perhaps an old enemy or two– and really at this point, they’re welcome to!)  In general, I’d say that in general, if you’re sincerely concerned that you might have some symptoms of sociopath– chances are you’re not. (I don’t think a sociopath would actually give a damn, except as a sort of interesting idea– “Oh! THAT’S why I’m better than other people!”)

However, I think a few people have learned dirty tactics from sociopaths in their lives– especially if they were parents or other people who had authority over us for a prolonged period of time. And– as I said before a LOT of people fall into the “middle path” category and are apaths, minions, or what have you. I know several people on my flist who recognize themseves as empaths right away and no mistake, but I’m sure many people have been roped into some weird political intrigues over their life and realize with some real discomfort that they’re not always at the pretty white end of the goodness spectrum.

Even if that’s true, there is nothing stopping you from waking up and deciding to be a better person and do things differently. Want to be a better person? Then BE a better person. You have your free will. Use it!

My final installment on this series will be sometime this weekend. Please let me know if you’ve found this series to be useful to you. Thanks!