Have you ever met someone who seemed charming, confident, and charismatic on the surface but left you feeling drained and uneasy after spending time around them?
You might have come across an emotional psychopath, a type of person who uses manipulation, lies, and deceit to get what they want from others.
Emotional psychopaths can be difficult to recognize since they often hide their true selves behind a carefully crafted mask of charm and charisma.
However, there are certain behaviors that may indicate that someone is an emotional psychopath. In this article, we will discuss the 13 things the signs of an emotional psychopath.
My experience with an emotional psychopath
This goes back about 15 years to my last long-term relationship. Everything seemed normal-ish and nice on the outside at first. After moving in with him, the signs started showing up.
The first year or so were ok. A few red flags popped up but I was already invested in this relationship and determined to make it work so I ignored the red flags. Don’t be like Iva.
If there are any red flags in your relationship, address them immediately!
After while, it got so bad and I started to feel trapped. By year 8, I knew I had to get out. It was clear that my partner was toxic and he was an emotional psychopath among other things.
When you start to see signs, it’s time to leave.
what is an emotional psychopath
It can be hard to distinguish if your partner/friend/family member is has psychopathy or perhaps other mental health issues.
Here is a great article from Psychology Today detailing the characteristics of someone with this disorder.
13 signs someone is an emotional psychopath
If you are unsure if you’re dealing with someone with this disorder, here are a 13 warning signs to watch out for. If you recognize any or all of these signs you may want to try to get help for your person or if that’s not possible, limit your time with them.
If this person is your partner, you may consider leaving as an option.
They lie with ease
Emotional psychopaths are skilled liars who can weave intricate stories without batting an eye. They often lie about their past, accomplishments, and even their feelings to manipulate others into doing what they want.
They have no trouble lying without batting an eyelash.
They lack empathy
They cannot empathize with others and often view others’ issues as frivolous or unworthy of compassion or sympathy. They may act charming and considerate towards others at first, but this is only a facade meant to gain trust and manipulate them.
They really don’t care what you’re going through.
They are impulsive
They act on impulse without considering the consequences of their actions. They may make reckless decisions that put themselves and others in danger and often have a history of engaging in risky behavior.
They do this because they don’t care if they hurt others. They only think of themselves and what they can get.
They are manipulative
These people are skilled manipulators who use a variety of tactics to control others. They may use flattery, guilt, or fear to get what they want and often have a talent for making others feel like they owe them something.
Fear is the number one weapon of choice though. They love to prey on weak people.
They lack remorse
Do psychopaths feel guilt? Nope.
These people feel no remorse for their actions and don’t care who they hurt. They also may engage in illegal or unethical behavior without feeling any guilt and may even twist the truth to justify their actions.
They are charismatic
They are often very charming and charismatic, which makes them appealing to others. They will use their charm to manipulate and control others and are very skilled at picking out vulnerable or susceptible individuals.
The charming ones are the ones to always watch out for!
They are grandiose
Similar to narcissists, they have an inflated sense of self-importance and may believe they are better than others in every way. They may exaggerate their accomplishments or abilities and may view themselves as deserving of special treatment or privileges.
They thrive on attention.
They are secretive
Oooph, mine was so secretive!
They are very secretive and may have a hidden agenda. They may lie about their past or present circumstances and may be reluctant to share personal information if they fear it will harm their chances of looking perfect.
They lack accountability
They rarely take responsibility for their actions and may blame others for their problems. They may be quick to anger or defensiveness when confronted with their shortcomings or mistakes.
They hate being wrong or at fault.
They lack boundaries
They have little regard for other people’s boundaries and may push them to the limit. They may make inappropriate comments or may engage in behavior that makes others uncomfortable or unsafe.
They have no respect for anyone else.
They are vindictive
They may hold grudges against those who oppose them and may be very vengeful. They may seek revenge in subtle or overt ways and may use manipulation and deceit to get what they want.
They want to make sure you paid for hurting them.
They lack self-awareness
They often lack self-awareness and may not realize the harm they are causing to themselves and others. They may not understand why people react to them as they do and may be very surprised or hurt when confronted with the truth.
They are clueless with regards to their actions.
Related articles
final thoughts
Dealing with an emotional psychopath can be a difficult and draining experience, but recognizing the signs of their behavior is the first step in protecting yourself.
If you suspect that someone you know is an emotional psychopath, it’s important to set clear boundaries and avoid engaging with them as much as possible.
Remember, an emotional psychopath may look like a charming and charismatic person on the outside, but beneath the surface lies a manipulative and potentially dangerous individual. Stay aware and stay safe.
