6 Signs You're Arguing With A Psychopath & How To Handle It

Contrary to popular belief, most psychopaths aren't serial killers. They're simply manipulative people who intentionally cause harm to others without any sense of remorse or responsibility. Psychopaths are social chameleons who can fit perfectly into any situation. They are experts at morphing their identities to get what they want and mirroring others for money, sex, and—most commonly—attention. Because of their ability to idealize others, psychopaths are often perceived as charming, innocent, and fun to unsuspecting onlookers and casual acquaintances. But when they're feeling threatened or bored, a psychopath's true colors start to show Here are the signs you're arguing with a psychopath and what to do when it happens:

Everyone messes up every now and then, but psychopaths recite excuses more often than they follow through with promises. Their actions never match up with their words, and their lies disappoint you so frequently that you actually feel relieved when they do something halfway decent. They've conditioned you to become grateful for mediocre treatment.

Psychopaths often try to make you unhinged in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Throughout the entire argument, you'll notice that they keep a calm and cool demeanor. It's almost as if they're mocking you—gauging your reactions to see how much further they can push. When you finally react emotionally, that's when they'll raise their eyebrows, smirk, tell you to calm down, or feign disappointment.

In heated arguments, psychopaths have no shame and will often begin labeling you with their own horrible qualities. It goes beyond projection because most people project unknowingly. Psychopaths know they are smearing you with their own flaws because they are seeking a reaction. The point is to lure you in so that you react and seem "crazy" to onlookers.

When arguing with a psychopath, you're likely to notice a variety of their personas. It's sort of like good cop, bad cop, demented cop, stalker cop, scary cop, baby cop. Once you begin pulling away from their manipulation and lies, they'll start apologizing and flatter you. If that doesn't work, they'll suddenly start insulting the qualities they just flattered two minutes ago. As they struggle to regain control, you'll be left wondering who you're even talking to.

Somehow, their bad behavior will always lead back to a conversation about their abusive past or a crazy ex or an evil boss. You'll end up feeling bad for them, even when they've done something horribly wrong. And once they've successfully diverted your attention, everything will get messy again. Psychopaths cry "abuse," but in the end, you're the only one being abused.

These are just a few signs that you're arguing with a psychopath. You can also watch out for a few common things psychopaths say. Just be aware that there are different types of psychopaths, and pay attention to specific signs that you're dating a psychopath.

They don't deserve another second of your time.