Making Distinctions Between Narcissists
and Sociopaths Will Serve You Well
By
Linda
Martinez-Lewi Ph.D.
The narcissistic personality has become pervasive
in today's society. We frequently find them in top tier positions in business,
government, entertainment and various professional power centers. The sociopath
functions outside of society but his criminal acts have a tragic negative
effect on everyone. The narcissist creates an elaborate image of perfection
that brings him praise and admiration. At the highest levels the narcissist
is charismatic and easily finds followers who will fulfill his voracious
ego needs. High-level narcissists fool a lot of people, displaying a magnetic
charm that is irresistible. Unlike the narcissist, the sociopath (anti-social
personality) doesn't care one wit about the impression he is making. He lives
in his own world, does what he wants, and detests and looks down on others.
People are foolish pawns designed to be trapped in his web. The sociopath
is an exploiter par excellence. The sociopath can be charming and seductive
when he turns on his bright lights to get exactly what he wants when he wants
it. But this panache is a thin, short-lived ploy.
Part of the narcissistic image is the impression
that his spouse and family will make upon others. The narcissist often presents
himself as a devoted spouse and parent, willing to do anything for them.
The narcissist displays a false empathy in which he pretends that he can
put himself in someone else's place. The sociopath, completely lacking in
empathy, is noted by a total disregard for his family, including children
and pets. He/she often puts them in physical danger through neglect,
recklessness, physical assault, and chronic criminal behavior. Narcissists
do not have a well developed conscience and often go over the line both ethically
and legally. But they make sure that they don't get caught. Narcissists keep
their physical aggressiveness in check because they have so much riding on
their elaborate images. Sociopaths have histories of perpetrating physical
violence from early childhood, through adolescence and adulthood.
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Breaking up with a sociopath narcissist? Be prepared for the battle
of your life! While you are an emotional basketcase, he is as Cold as Ice!
While you are left holding down the fort and dealing with the real-life
responsibilities, he walks away from everything leaving you to mop off
his stage and pay his bills. He will punish you in ways you couldn't possibly
have ever imagined...
....and not
even acknowledge it to himself! Why? Because he's off charming the socks
off of new women as if your years together didn't even
exist!
The sociopathic
narcissistic ex continually acts in abusive, bewildering and confusing
ways. He is not above committing destructive acts. When the breakup
becomes a reality, it is likely that his 'false persona' will completely
disappear all together and you will most likely experience the most hurtful
of behavior from him. He is completely lacking in empathy, and - since he
is not receiving any admiration from you anymore - he will dismiss you
and discard you as worthless to him, consequently dropping any fake
front that he use to put up in order to keep you in the relationship.
Click here to read 'The Counterfeit
Heart: Breaking Up With a Narcissist - the Sociopath in Your Life' by
Tigress Luv
Narcissists are always selling themselves. High-level
narcissists are frequently very successful; one might even think they were
born with a money gene. Most high-level narcissists are constantly focusing
on new ways to increase their wealth and worldly stature. Some white collar
sociopaths (forgers, counterfeiters, pyramid schemers) avoid arrest and
conviction through their cunning and stealth. The sociopath goes after money
but the route he takes is frequently violent. Often the sociopath turns deadly,
committing violent crimes (robbery, rape, physical assault, murder). Sociopaths
are often arrested and sent to prison numerous times throughout their lives.
The sociopath is physically and psychologically dangerous to most of those
he encounters. He leads a violent, criminal life, devoid of conscience,
compassion or human warmth. The narcissist wreaks a lot of human havoc in
his personal and professional life.
Both of these personality disorders leave enormous
swaths of human devastation behind. Knowing and understanding who you are
dealing with, will enable you to protect yourself and maintain psychological
balance.
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