[wrapitup]

Okay so first off a little background on myself I'm 21 and from California and I'm currently working on a Political Science degree.

So here goes nothing.. Ever since I was young I've always been told how bright I am I mean literally every single person I've ever talked to at one point has talked about how smart I am and then once they find out they try to almost in a sense use me for things which really bothers me because I don't mind helping someone just to a certain extent. Essentially I know I'm extremely intelligent and I use that to really get what I want I had a girlfriend and I would honestly intentionally make her cry just to sort of see the tears and my mom would ask me why I'm doing it and I told her the truth because I thought that everyone feels the same way. I've been to several therapists who have all mentioned narcissism,sociopathic tendencies or something along those lines. I mean truthfully I read a lot about the "symptoms" and I'll be honest I feel that every human is just a stepping stone to get a leg up in life to be used for your own gain I mean honestly what other reason would there be for somebody? Isn't life about making it up to the top? Isn't that we have social ladders in life? I would like to try and get some sort of clarity for my questions or at least something to lead me in the direction of answers. If anything else is required of me please let me know as I was very brief in this post.

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi wrapitup

I found this thread on PsychCentral where the OP has linked a quiz on sociopath tendencies - obviously it's by no means a diagnostic tool but it might be interesting for you to take the 5 minute quiz and see what it says.

I always say if something is bothering you and interfering with your day to day functioning - by all means bring it up with your doctor.

Here's the link to the post with the quiz:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/antis...path-test.html

[-jimi-]

This culture is quite narcissistic in itself. It tells us we should ruin the planet for our own gain short term, we should rip others off and if we show compassion we're "stupid" and deserve to be victimized.

All cultures are NOT like that and have not been like that through the ages. Some have been more violent, some have been more friendly and in some, individualism did not exist at all. So there is within mankind very different ways to be. Not just what we see today.

Not understanding other people's feelings are real in your teen years is very odd, even for a psychopath. They usually have that figured out before they start school. Maybe you have issues with empathy that do not fit psychopathy, or what other symptoms do you have?

[CopperStar]

Well keep in mind that technically Batman is a pro-social sociopath.

1. Failure to conform to social norms

Batman considers himself above society for the most part, and his life is anything but normal. He's also extremely socially awkward.

2. Deception

Self-explanatory, really. Half his life is a huge secret.

3. Impulsivity

Batman rarely makes plans. How many times in comics, shows and movies has Batman just up and been like, "I'm going after them/him/her/it" while his butler is like, "Uh Bruce-"

4. Irritability/Aggressiveness

Ever notice how Batman doesn't use guns, lasers, etc? That's because Batman frankly seems to really enjoy just punching people to death.

5. Reckless Disregard for Safety of Self/Others

Just imagine how much it has cost Gotham City, for every time Batman went flying down the street in his Batmobile at 130 miles per hour.

6. Consistent Irresponsibility

Without caring what or who he might run over in the process.

7. Lack of Remorse

Batman sees himself as always right. The cops suck at their job, so they can clean up the mess.

8. At least 18 years old

Yep

9. Evidence of Conduct Disorder Before Age 15

Well Batman's parents were murdered when he was a little kid, and that's when he snapped. So.. Yep

10. Conduct Disorder Not Caused By Mental Illness

Check

So, you see just because you are different, doesn't mean you're automatically bad. You can still make choices to try to do the right things and be pro-social. Something to always bear in mind. You are still in control of your destiny.

[YMIHere]

That was awesome CopperStar!

[crosstobear]

You'll do great in law, business or politics.

[Mattmx]

Honestly, yes you're right about what you're saying. At the root of things, everyone does do things for personal gain, whether they realize it or not. Why do people help loved ones? To feel good that they supported someone/thing that they want. Why do people do random acts of kindness, and donate to charity? To feel good. See where I'm going here? Self interest is at the root of all our actions, but it takes a lot to see it and more to admit it.

While you may be right in some ways, in other ways you could use improvement. For starters, while self gain may be at the root of all motives, that doesn't mean you should go around acting like that and telling people that. Lots of people will still be hostile towards this idea, and many will hold back while interacting with you because they know you're just in it for you. Telling someone that "they only love people because they're selfish" isn't going to get you to the top of the ladder.

Something else to consider: Those who are actually very intelligent can often demonstrate many antisocial traits, due to their advanced perception and analysis. Either way, being a socio/psycho/aspd/whatever list of traits you look at doesn't have to be a bad thing. Just because you know you're doing things for yourself, doesn't mean you have to be selfish.

[HeavyMetalLover]

I think one the biggest red flags for if someone is truly a sociopath is whether or not they seem to have a conscience. So, say I abuse an animal just to satisfy some impulse and then feel no remorse for causing that animal pain, THAT would make me a sociopath. That's a pretty drastic example but it's the lack of remorse part that's important in determining whether or not someone's a sociopath. Just by the fact that you're questioning your actions really seems, IMO, that you're NOT a sociopath. I could be wrong, but I've known sociopaths and they don't question their actions. It's always someone else's fault if they hurt someone or, more accurately, get caught hurting someone. Otherwise, they don't give a hoot what effect their actions have on others.

[CrazyLo]

^^What he/she said!