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People with mental illnesses date one another. It happens, and it can work. So what happens when a sociopath dates a psychopath? If you don’t know what those disorders are you might think that that sounds like a scary match. However, that’s not necessarily the case. Let’s break down the symptoms of each of these mental health disorders and understand how these two individuals could act in a relationship.
What’s a psychopath?
A psychopath is a person who lacks empathy but is good at faking feelings. They observe people and are calculated in their behaviors. Even though they don’t genuinely care for others, they’re excellent at modeling human emotions and mimicking behaviors to appear “normal.” Psychopaths are highly manipulative and see people as pawns in their game, and they want to get things from other human beings, and that is why they attempt to do. Psychopaths are highly intelligent and extremely manipulative.
Sociopaths
Sociopaths, like psychopaths, don’t feel empathy; however, they don’t seem to care about faking emotions. They are typically antisocial and don’t care whether they’re around people or not. These individuals aren’t concerned with abiding by social norms. Sociopaths are also manipulative but less calculated then a psychopath. Sociopaths have the capacity to care about a select few individuals, but for that to happen, they have to go through intensive therapy.
The love connection
A Psychopath vs. Sociopath in love. In some ways, these two people would be an excellent match for a relationship because both don’t have empathy. They are each self-absorbed, but in two different ways, One key difference that matters in a romantic relationship is that a psychopath can fake emotions and the sociopath cannot. What that means is the psychopath could appear emotional in an attempt to manipulate their partner. These two don’t need one another because they’re probably both highly independent, but the relationship could result in the partners using a lot of manipulation tactics. It could become a contest of who can manipulate who and read a fascinating dynamic between two partners.
A volatile relationship
Both of these individuals tend toward violent behavior. Of course, antisocial personality disorder exists on a spectrum. Some individuals might be calm and collected, and may not engage in violence toward each other whatsoever. Meanwhile, other people who have antisocial personality disorders can be violent and dangerous. Many sociopaths and psychopaths become criminals. If these individuals were in a relationship together, and they were at the violent end of the spectrum, the dynamic could become dangerous. It goes beyond a toxic relationship and gets into the mode of an unsafe connection. If both people have explosive outbursts, it can lead to physical and psychological danger, which means domestic violence. The potential for harm is there, which is why it’s crucial that these individuals seek out mental health treatment for themselves, and if they choose to stay in a relationship with one another, couples counseling for the two of them.
Can psychopaths and sociopaths have long-term romantic relationships?
As with any relationship, the longevity of the connection depends on what the people are willing to tolerate. Imagine a partnership between a psychopath and a sociopath where both people live independent lives and don’t require emotional intimacy. They’re fine living together and have active experience in the bedroom. The relationship, though it’s not a deep connection, can last. The two people involved have the same expectations of one another. The trouble happens when one partner may try to manipulate the other to get what they want. These individuals are inherently manipulative.
Get help when you need it
Whether it’s relationship issues or you’re struggling with your mental health, there are ways to get help. If you think you’re dating a sociopath, and you don’t know how to communicate with your partner, talk to a licensed therapist. If you and your partner both have a mental illness, couples counseling can help. Whether you’re working with an online counselor or someone in your local area, you deserve support, and the chance to work on your mental health.
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