7 Signs Of A Psychopath: Traits & Characteristics

Psychopaths can look just like everyone else. Unlike what television has taught us, most psychopaths are not deranged, imprisoned murderers. Much more likely, they're the co-worker, friend, ex, or family member who makes your brain hurt. You walk away from them feeling confused, self-conscious, and doubting your own intuition. Psychopathy isn't an official diagnosis you can find in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but there's been enough research on psychopaths1 for us to be able to identify their traits and characteristics. Here's exactly how to spot a psychopath and the signs of a psychopath to look out for:

Whichever persona they choose, one thing is certain: It's not authentic. Psychopaths are shape-shifting chameleons who constantly rearrange their personalities depending on your individual needs. If you notice behavioral inconsistencies, find that other people in this person's life describe them in entirely different terms, or even just sense insincerity in their behavior, honor and explore that feeling.

In the workplace, they'll manufacture these reactions in a calculated way, to turn others against you and diminish your credibility. In a relationship, they'll use these reactions to garner sympathy from future potential mates. If you get the sense that someone is baiting you into an argument and then feigning surprise, it's worth a second look. Don't let your natural desire to reconcile the issue keep you from addressing the injustice you feel.

Lying is a common psychopath characteristic. Psychopaths lie constantly, even when the truth would be a better story—even when there's absolutely no reason to lie. They are so used to shifting personas and stories that lying becomes the default mode for them. If you ever question these lies (even if you have proof), they will promptly turn it back around on you for being paranoid and overanalyzing everything. Whether someone who does this is a psychopath or simply a pathological liar, they are someone you'll be better off keeping at arm's length.

Psychopaths know that their behavior hurts others. That's why they do it. The only time a psychopath will ever apologize to you is to save face or if they still need something from you. It's never actually about remorse. Anyone who enjoys inflicting pain on others or never seems to feel any genuine remorse for hurting others is someone to cut ties with, immediately. That's an emotional black hole.

Another common trait of a psychopath is lack of loyalty. Psychopaths devalue and replace others at the drop of a hat. Although you probably experienced an instant connection of trust and excitement with them, you'll come to realize they can forge that bond with anyone. After once declaring you better than all the "crazy" people in their life, they'll go running back to those very same people and declare you crazy. Psychopaths have no loyalty, no attachment, and no love. They leave behind a trail of destruction, and they blame their victims for it every time.

Psychopaths want people distracted and in constant competition for their attention, so they seem in high demand at all times. If you find yourself disliking people you would previously have had no reason to form an opinion about (negative or otherwise), look more closely at the source of that emotion. It might be a sign of a psychopath in your orbit.

Once you know the signs of a psychopath, you can begin to figure out how to remove them from your life. This might not be an easy task, especially if you're dating a psychopath. But awareness is the first step of leaving your abusive relationship.