There are ways to avoid being a victim of a psychopath.Psychopathy is a form of personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, disregard for rules, and impulsive behavior.If you have to interact with a psychopath, calmly deal with them.They can control you if you get upset, so don't engage them.If you feel unsafe, get help and learn to recognize signs of abuse.
Step 1: You can call the emergency services.
If the person is threatening to hurt you, you should get help immediately.Even if they haven't been violent in the past, take their threats seriously.Some people with the condition are not violent, but they do have aggression and reckless behavior.It is possible to manipulate your emotions by threatening to commit suicide.If you think they have the intent to hurt themselves, call the emergency services.Stick to your boundaries if you suspect they are threatening suicide to control you or threatening to harm themselves.They will not be able to control you if you tell them that you are not responsible for their actions.
Step 2: You don't have to be responsible for their actions.
Psychopaths are experts in deception and manipulation.It has nothing to do with you being naive or an easy target.They mistreated you and you aren't responsible for their behavior.It's important to remember that a psychopath usually seems friendly and personable at first.They might have been charming for a while, then you started seeing red flags.They blew up at you, threatened violence, and said it's not your business when they disappeared for a couple of days.You are not alone.A person with psychopathic tendencies ignores the wellbeing of others and treats them as objects.You are not the first person they have mistreated.
Step 3: If you suspect your relationship is not healthy, trust your instincts.
If you feel like you walk on eggshells around this person, listen to your gut.It is time to leave if the idea of interacting with them fills you with dread.You might be on the fence because you enjoy their company.Do you think they are only nice when you do things for them?You say you can't because they want you to drive them somewhere.They're only charming you to get what they want if they blow up at you.You might not experience fear.If you feel that this person always seems to turn the blame on you, constantly lies, takes advantage of you and suddenly becomes aggressive, you should trust your gut.
Step 4: Personal boundaries should be set and defended.
If they are unclear, psychopaths push and test boundaries.Set limits and defend them as you move past a relationship.Take some time to inventory your emotions and come up with boundaries that will protect you from being manipulated.It's possible to redecorate your home so that you don't associate your surroundings with the person who manipulated you.You can set a boundary that says no to moving in or sharing a bank account with a new person until you and your partner go through a round of therapy.You have the right to say no.You have no obligation to change your mind.If you want to protect your physical, emotional, and financial future, be sure to set boundaries.
Step 5: When you're done with the relationship, cut off all contact.
If you want to deal with a psychopath, you should detach yourself from them and any situations that involve them.Don't communicate with them if you break things off.It might seem harsh, but it's best to end the relationship.Resist the urge to call or text them, and don't look at their social media profiles.The person has no business in your life if they have abused you.It's never easy to break up, but stay strong.You are just protecting yourself, realize that you are not abandoning them in their time of need.You can not force them to change because you are not their counselor or psychologist.A person with a personality disorder is not going to change without professional help.
Step 6: If you think they might become violent, develop a safety plan.
Break things off over the phone or email if you are concerned that ending the relationship will lead to violence.If you live with the person, you should ask for help to get out of the situation.If possible, get a second cell phone that they can't access, and memorize important phone numbers.If you can safely transfer money and deposit your income into a new bank account before you leave, you should.You can make a copy of your car keys and hide them.Stay with a friend or family member.You can stay at a shelter for domestic violence victims if you don't have any friends or family nearby.
Step 7: If you're worried about your safety, get a restraining order.
If you want to petition for an emergency protective order, you have to go to your local courthouse.If you need to schedule an appointment, call ahead or check their website.For moral support, ask a trusted friend or relative to accompany you.You don't need a lawyer or filing fees to petition for a protective order.Provide the abusive person's work and home addresses, and bring any evidence with you, such as medical bills, photographs, or police reports.
Step 8: Your support system needs to be lean on.
It's difficult to break up with someone and get out of a relationship.Venting your feelings to your family and friends will help you get through it.Your loved ones can help you stay objective and affirm that getting out of the situation is the right thing to do if you are a psychopath.There are support groups for victims of emotional or physical abuse.
Step 9: Don't fall for their excuses or explanations.
Psychopaths lie, manipulate, and spin stories to get what they want.Don't take what the person says at face value.The person is telling a story, gossiping, or giving an explanation.Whenever possible, double-check their story.If you want to verify what you're being told, grab a friend or coworker.Listen to your gut when you don't have the chance to double-check.They might say that a coworker said something behind your back.How does this information hold up to scrutiny?Are they trying to start an unnecessary conflict or do they have my best interests in mind?
Step 10: They may try to flatter you.
Take any compliment with a grain of salt.Strong communication skills, charm, and wit are some of the characteristics of psychopathy.Being pleasant on the surface is a tactic to get what they want.Charm and flattery are the best ways to see.When they aren't using their charisma to get something, consider what they are like.If they've been showering you with praise, then you should ask them to lend you money or give you a favor.Tell them, "Sorry, I have a personal policy about loaning money to friends, family, and coworkers, but I can't take on this project for you."
Step 11: Don't get involved in power struggles.
If they try to intimidate or threaten you, make it clear that you will not engage with them.Psychopaths use charm, intimidation, manipulation, and violence to maintain their power.Showing that they are getting to you gives them satisfaction and escalates the situation.If you think your safety is in danger, talk to a teacher or guidance counselor.If your company doesn't have a supervisor, you can bring your concerns to the HR department.Don't engage in attempts to circumvent school rules if you're a teacher dealing with an obstical student.Make it clear that they are not above the rules, inform them of the consequences, and get support from the administration.
Step 12: Try to be patient with them.
If you have to interact with a psychopath, make sure to keep your cool.They know they have power over you if you show that you are upset.Speak to them respectfully, and keep your frustration in check, no matter how crazy they are.If they try to shift the blame for something wrong to you, don't shout, "You're lying!"If a figure of authority, like a supervisor or teacher, is involved, keep your tone rational, and mention evidence that proves you are not at fault.
Step 13: If your situation is intolerable, speak to an authority figure.
If you don't want to work with this person, try to get transferred to another department.If necessary, look for another job.If a situation at school becomes intolerable, get help from a teacher, guidance counselor, or trusted adult.It is not always possible to avoid the person who is giving you trouble.They might seek you out at work or school if you need to work closely with them.If you are the target of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse, getting help from an authority figure or changing jobs is necessary.
Step 14: Do the person have any respect for the rules?
General disregard for rules, laws, and social norms is a key criterion for antisocial personality disorder.A psychopath does not believe they are subject to what society deems right and wrong.It doesn't mean that someone who runs a stop sign is a psychopath.There is a difference between breaking a rule and ignoring the rules with no remorse.
Step 15: Extreme arrogance or a sense of superiority are possible.
An extreme sense of entitlement leads to disrespect for laws.A person with a personality disorder who believes they are above the rules and justify almost any action as long as they get what they want.They don't experience guilt for breaking the law.
Step 16: Take a look at impulsive, irresponsible behavior.
People with a personality disorder are prone to risky behaviors if they don't know how to follow rules.Drug and alcohol abuse is common.Psychopaths are less likely to think through a decision and might be quick to offer a response such as, "I did it because I felt like it."Antisocial personality disorder is a group of behavioral patterns.A mental health professional who is trained in abnormal psychology and has experience with psychopathy can make an accurate diagnosis.
Step 17: There are signs of gaslighting and emotional manipulation.
In gaslighting, a friend or romantic partner convinces you that your thoughts are wrong.Second-guessing yourself, constantly feeling the need to apologize, taking the blame, and always making excuses for your partner are some of the signs.You might feel like you're losing your grip on reality if you have a gut feeling.It is possible to regain objectivity if you reach out to a trusted loved one or mental health professional.A psychopath manipulates emotions to get what they want, maintain control over other people, and make themselves look like a victim.
Step 18: Be alert in high-risk situations.
Any situation in which a potential target is lonely or looking for excitement is vulnerable.A foreign airport, a singles bar, or a dating website are examples.Being paranoid in every social setting doesn't mean keeping up your guard.Listen to your gut and pay attention to the signals.If someone gives you a bad feeling, leave the area and go to a safe place.Before you go on a date with someone, let a friend know where you are.Don't give strangers access to your valuables, or lend them money, because you might reveal your private information.If a relationship progresses, treat 1 lie, broken promise, or neglected responsibility as a possible misunderstanding.Cut things off after strike 3 if you are suspicious.
Step 19: Psychopathy is not a moral judgement.
If someone has a personality disorder, interacting with them might be intolerable.Psychopathy isn't "evil" or "bad." Rather, it's a psychology term that describes mental health disorders.It is important to remember that you do not have to associate with someone who has mistreated or abused you.Someone with a mental health condition may not be able to excuse their behavior.Regardless of the degree to which someone with a personality disorder is in control of their actions, you do not have to tolerate being mistreated.