I've suggested it. She can't afford one.

One thing you could try if you're in situations where the opportunity arises, is to simply confess your limited emotional capacity, among other things, so whatever is needed given the context. Essentially, describing your psychopathy or aspects of it without telling them you are one.

Yeah, that's the approach I'm going to try. Ease 'em into it. But like I said, I don't think she understands what that means. She interpreted it as: "You have emotions, but are unable to express them. I must teach you to express yourself!" Is it really a difficult notion for people to get?

I'd imagine many people have preconceived notions of psychopathy. Serial killer, sadistic, inherently evil, criminal, all that jazz.

Definitely. Another co-worker jokingly said that so-and-so probably had a spotless apartment with everything always in perfect order, "like a psychopath." Where do people even get these ideas? A different co-worker claimed to be a psychopath when he clearly isn't.

Also, how exhausting is putting on an "emotional facade"? Enough for you to make this thread I suppose?

Normal day-to-day stuff is effortless - like I mentioned earlier, it's basically an unconscious reaction anymore, even if there's no real emotion behind it - but excessive emotions, such as consoling someone who's grieving or expressing a deep, romantic connection, requires a lot of effort. It's the main reason I avoid close relationships, especially romantic relationships. I can't keep it up longterm, especially not if I'm living with the person and they expect it everyday.

...how many have you thought were able to see through your facade? Not many, im guessing?

Meh, it depends on what you mean. Most people who are close to me know that I'm pretty cold, but I don't think they realize quite how cold. I'm still friendly and helpful. It's only in rather extreme situations where they'll notice that I'm not very emotional. It's shocked a few people, but they've never talked with me about it since then, so I don't know what they make of it.

Acquaintances usually tell me that I'm very kind and a good person, always eager to help, etc.

Predatory types will get to see exactly how cold I can be, but that isn't because they saw through the mask, it's because I removed it.

Yeah, pretty much. I was going to compare it to the emotional equivalent of wailing on a punching bag to release anger. But I will give advice back, whether they want it or not, so it's not the best analogy. I kind of see it like problem solving.