Impressing a Psychopath: Behaviors That Leave a Lasting Impression

In the dynamic world of psychopaths and neurotypicals, certain behaviors and actions often stand out as particularly impressive. This article explores the behaviors in neurotypicals that impress psychopaths and the reasons why such traits are meaningful.

An Overview of Psychopathic Traits and Neurotypical Impressions

When discussing psychopaths, it is important to understand that their behaviors and traits can be quite different from those of neurotypicals. Despite the common misperceptions, psychopaths often have a keen interest in understanding and relating to neurotypicals. In this article, we will explore the behaviors in neurotypicals that psychopaths find impressive and why these traits matter.

Action vs. Words

Psychopaths are often more impressed by actions taken by neurotypicals rather than words alone. They value practical achievements over mere talk. For instance:

A drug addict turning their life around and becoming successful. An obese person going on a diet and getting into shape. An abused wife leaving an abusive relationship. A person quitting their job and starting something from scratch.

Such behaviors demonstrate a strong will, self-control, and a commitment to action. Psychopaths, who often see others as lacking in these areas, are drawn to those who take initiative and stand by their actions.

Intelligence and Honesty

Psychopaths also appreciate people who are highly intelligent. While they may not be particularly impressed by kindness and honesty alone, they recognize the value of someone who can navigate complex situations and think critically. Honesty is particularly important because psychopaths often exhibit a lack of empathy and are more likely to catch someone in a lie.

Why Psychopaths Are Impressed with Non-Imprisonment

Psychopaths often find it fascinating and even a bit frustrating to see how neurotypicals stay out of trouble. Unlike psychopaths, who tend to justify their criminal behavior and blame external factors, neurotypicals are more likely to take responsibility for their actions. This difference in perspective can lead to a certain amount of admiration from psychopaths.

A study by the Colorado Department of Corrections found that the majority of the psychopaths under their watch would be impressed by neurotypicals who succeed in remaining free of criminal activities. This is likely because they do not understand why neurotypicals would avoid legal trouble, given their own pattern of behavior.

Admiration and Utility in Friendship

A personal story provides additional insight into the dynamics between psychopaths and neurotypicals. In a specific friendship, a psychopath displayed admiration for another individual due to several key traits, including:

Being free from immediate social pressures. Not trying to please others without an incentive. Having intellectual talent. Feeling competent in sparring intellectually and academically. Avoiding being dominated.

The palatability of these traits is further enhanced by the individual's social appeal, making them an attractive prospect to the psychopath. The combination of admiration and utility is a strong motivator for the psychopath in forming and maintaining a friendship.

The Role of Affirmation

Psychopaths, despite their apparent lack of empathy, do seek affirmation and validation from others. Their self-conception often revolves around a lack of emotional intensity, which makes praise and approval challenging for them to receive. Meeting someone who can present their positive qualities and receive affirmation can create a bond, even if this bond is driven by narcissism.

Conclusion

Impressing a psychopath is a complex matter that involves actions, intelligence, and a certain level of self-control. While psychopaths may not frequently be impressed by neurotypicals, certain behaviors and traits can catch their attention and generate admiration. Understanding these dynamics can provide insight into the motivations and behaviors of both psychopaths and neurotypicals.

Keywords

psychopaths, neurotypicals, impressive behaviors