Some tips for managing interactions with a psychopath
Some tips for managing interactions with a psychopath include:
• Set boundaries: Psychopaths are masters at taking advantage of others, so ensure you enforce limits on the time you spend in their proximity.
• Maintain your composure: Psychopathic individuals try to get others off-balance through their words or actions, so be prepared and don’t let them get the best of you.
• Control your emotions: Keep cool and don’t rise to their bait. When you are able to stay calm and not react in fear or anger, you avoid giving them any advantage.
• Be skeptical of what they say: Don’t let yourself be gaslit; don’t buy into their wild tales or efforts to get you to think that they are victims. They may be seeking sympathy in order to gain your trust to take advantage of you in disturbing ways.
• Trust your instincts: When most people are in the company of individuals with personality disorders, they get a feeling that there’s something amiss. If you feel that a person is showing signs of psychopathic thoughts or actions, trust yourself and find a way to exit the situation.
• Engage in reality-testing with trusted others: When you feel that someone’s behavior isn’t “normal,” check in with people you trust to confirm your feelings and brainstorm ways to respond.
• Avoid face-to-face engagement: If you must communicate with someone with psychopathic tendencies, use email to ensure that there is less chance to be at a disadvantage. Email is less personal and allows for distance that can serve as protection.
From the article "20 Signs of a Psychopath: Traits & Characteristics" published January 28, 2025
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/signs-of-a-psychopath/