A sociopath can be recognized by their lack of empathy towards others. Most of the relationships that sociopaths form serve to benefit themselves.
However, it’s not always that easy to spot a sociopath right away. Luckily, there are several phrases that sociopaths commonly use that may provide clarity if you are trying to recognize one.
While sociopaths do fall in love, it is typically in their own peculiar way. Many people also suffer from antisocial personality disorder, which is characterized by difficulties maintaining relationships with others.
As Dr. Turner from Turner Psychology has put it, “For the sociopath, the experience of love is much more shallow and less meaningful”. Let’s take a look at 9 common phrases that sociopaths often use on those they love.
“Nobody Else Understands Me Like You Do”
While sociopaths do have feelings, they are generally quite limited. For instance, they are able to feel basic emotions such as anger, pain, pleasure, and sexual attraction. Yet, these feelings are typically quite fleeting.
Therefore, if a sociopath does say something like “nobody else understands me as you do”, there is a good chance that they actually mean what they are saying. This is a rare but real moment where a sociopath is expressing their emotions.
“This Is the First Time I Have Felt This Way For Someone”
These are typically words that anyone would love to hear from their significant other. However, when spoken by a sociopath, these words are simply used to further their own personal agenda.
Sociopaths are often very intelligent people and they know which words to use without actually meaning what they have said.
There is no actual depth to their words. For sociopaths, lying is as common as breathing and they know exactly what you want to hear.
At the end of the day, they will say whatever they need to at that moment that will cast them in a favorable light.
“There Is No One Else That Loves You As Much As I Do”
Sociopaths often use phrases to build up their partners so that they can manipulate them into staying at a later time.
They can be very caring and loving, yet if things don’t always go their way, they can change in an instant.
They may break their partner down in an attempt to make them feel bad about themselves.
They may then say things like, “There is no one else that loves you as much as I do”, to discourage you from leaving.
“You Are Actually Very Lucky to Have Me”
When a sociopath isn’t busy charming someone with flattery, they often switch tactics and deliver cutting remarks aimed at undermining the other person’s confidence.
Statements like “You are very lucky to have me”, or “I could easily find someone better” are classic examples of how they try to manipulate your emotions.
These comments are typically designed to make you feel unworthy of their love and attention or dependent.
Once a sociopath has gotten what they want from someone, they typically lose interest, withdrawing any semblance of affection or care and leaving the person feeling discarded or unimportant.
“You Owe Me”
Sociopaths often tend to build relationships solely to fulfill their own desires. This could include gaining power, sex, wealth, status, or other personal benefits. They lack the ability to form genuine connections.
This is because mutual support, intimacy, and equality are not part of their emotional repertoire. Consequently, they tend to keep a mental tally in their relationships, measuring what they give versus what they receive in return.
This transactional approach often leaves their partners feeling used, as the sociopath’s primary focus is always on their own advantage rather than on creating a healthy and balanced connection.
“I Already Did This, What More Do You Expect?”
Many sociopaths are typically only motivated to put in effort when there’s something in it for them. In fact, they usually react quite badly when asked to give something in return.
Their relationships are often characterized by abuse, with regular outbursts that include shouting or making hurtful comments.
When sociopaths are angered, they can seem like an entirely different person, turning on their partner suddenly and without hesitation.
This shift in their demeanor often happens once they’ve already taken what they wanted from the relationship or no longer see any benefit in maintaining it.
“I Don’t Have Time For This Nonsense”
Most sociopaths know exactly what they are trying to achieve with their actions. They are masters at doing whatever is needed to make themselves look good.
To achieve this, they often use phrases that shift blame away from themselves and onto those around them.
They show very little concern if their actions cause harm to others, as their focus is on their own goals.
Sociopaths lack genuine empathy, and if they do display compassion, it’s usually an act designed to blend in or manipulate others.
This calculated behavior allows them to achieve their goals, regardless of who gets hurt along the way.
“You Are Simply The Best”
Unless those words are being spoken by Tina Turner herself, you should pay heed when you hear them from a narcissist!
A sociopath’s ultimate goal is dominance and control – no matter the consequences. One of their favorite tactics is excessive flattery, using phrases like “You’re the best” to draw you in.
This calculated charm is highly effective in winning people over, often making them feel special or appreciated.
However, if all these compliments begin to feel insincere, it’s worth taking a step back and questioning their true intentions.
“I Want to Spend Every Single Second In Your Company”
Another typical tactic of sociopaths in relationships is isolating their partner from other people. They also often disguise it as an act of love.
For example, they might subtly try to distance their partner from family to ensure no one can challenge their influence.
Sociopaths often exhibit controlling behavior, treating their partners simply as an extension of themselves.
This behavior includes dictating their partner’s choices, including everything from how they dress to who they are allowed to talk to.