Community Chat

[goldensrbest]

What i would like to know is why are some people attracted to a sociopath?

[Burnsite]

Lots of good definitions here.  I would say that sympathy is a strong feeling of kind fellowship, an attempt to make a grieving person see that they are surrounded by the well-wishers who hope support them. Sympathy is long-term, just as grief is, for the process takes time. Sympathy is a pledge of friendship and kindness, an acknowledgment of what the person is going through. 

Empathy:  someone has told you about something that concerns them, and you're saying you see how concerned they are. It is an expression of "I see what you are saying; I feel for you" while grief is more an expression of "I am so sad you are sorrowing; I am here if you need me." Sympathy doesn't require giving advice.  Empathy often produces advice, if the listener is paying attention. Sharing a concern with a friend can provide insight and advice, and if the other person is empathetic, it comes from a friendly place.

We've all known "Job's comforters" who are not empathetic but instead judgmental or critical.  ("Why do you say that?"  "How can you feel that way?")  Empathy says, "I hear you."

[QueenDanceALot]

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@goldensrbest wrote:

What i would like to know is why are some people attracted to a sociopath?

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@goldensrbest

You mean before or after they realize that they ARE a sociopath?

[goldensrbest]

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@QueenDanceALot wrote:

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@goldensrbest wrote:

What i would like to know is why are some people attracted to a sociopath?

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@goldensrbest

You mean before or after they realize that they ARE a sociopath?

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What about both? I don't think some get out of relationships with them.

[QueenDanceALot]

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@goldensrbest wrote:

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@QueenDanceALot wrote:

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@goldensrbest wrote:

What i would like to know is why are some people attracted to a sociopath?

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@goldensrbest

You mean before or after they realize that they ARE a sociopath?

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What about both? I don't think some get out of relationships with them.

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@goldensrbest

There is no one answer to that.

[Ms tyrion2]

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@goldensrbest wrote:

What i would like to know is why are some people attracted to a sociopath?

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Sociopaths are very often charismatic.  They can be adept at appearing charming and are often intelligent. They can be persuasive and can recognize the weakness in a person that would make them an easy target for that persuasion. I've a,so read that many leaders past and present are sociopaths.

That's why tyrants can often win over large numbers of people. They are adept at preying on the weaknesses of others. 

[sidsmom]

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@QueenDanceALot wrote:
 

Yes, I am very familiar with this type of person.

Some children are very good at it at a young age and I don't think they train for it.  They just know how to do it by observing others.  

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@QueenDanceALot

Thankful you were able to see if for what it is.

Got the willies just thinking about this.  

You’re one, strong kitty.

[QueenDanceALot]

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@sidsmom wrote:

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@QueenDanceALot wrote:
 

Yes, I am very familiar with this type of person.

Some children are very good at it at a young age and I don't think they train for it.  They just know how to do it by observing others.  

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@QueenDanceALot

Thankful you were able to see if for what it is.

Got the willies just thinking about this.  

You’re one, strong kitty.

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@sidsmom

I sought advice when I was pretty much hit over the head with the feeling that something was very, very wrong.

Took me awhile to understand what I was dealing with.

But yeah, I will give myself credit for being strong.  I could have gone a different direction.

[Noel7]

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@goldensrbest wrote:

What i would like to know is why are some people attracted to a sociopath?

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@goldensrbest

Because many are quite charming, they learn how and practice it, all the while manipulating the other person.

The Prime Example who fits that description and is the poster boy for it was Ted Bundy.  You may remember him.

[Noel7]

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@Ms tyrion2 wrote:

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@goldensrbest wrote:

What i would like to know is why are some people attracted to a sociopath?

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Sociopaths are very often charismatic.  They can be adept at appearing charming and are often intelligent. They can be persuasive and can recognize the weakness in a person that would make them an easy target for that persuasion. I've a,so read that many leaders past and present are sociopaths.

That's why tyrants can often win over large numbers of people. They are adept at preying on the weaknesses of others. 

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You and I are on the same page again, @Ms tyrion2    You are right on.