Dating someone with sociopathic tendencies can be a complex and draining experience. These individuals tend to lack empathy and often engage in manipulative behaviors. Certain phrases you use may trigger negative reactions from a sociopath. So, it’s important to understand what you should avoid saying. To help you navigate this, you should probably avoid these 12 phrases.
1. “Why Can’t You Just Care About Me?”
Asking a person with sociopathic tendencies to care could backfire on you. They often lack the emotional capacity for empathy. Instead, they often manipulate people’s emotions for their own benefit. This phrase will open you up to them exploiting your vulnerability. You won’t receive reassurance from them, you will likely encounter gaslighting or deflection.
2. “I Need You to Change.”
Demanding change from a sociopath is typically useless. They aren’t going to be able to see their behavior as problematic and often feel justified in their actions. If you ask them to change, they will likely become defensive and manipulative. They’re pros at avoiding accountability and shifting blame, which is what will happen if you utter this phrase.
3. “You’re Acting Crazy.”
Calling a sociopath’s behavior “crazy” can escalate quickly. These individuals are hypersensitive to any threats that seem to target their intelligence. They will likely become angry and seek revenge, and you may find yourself on the receiving end of their manipulation, gaslighting, and aggression. Focus on setting boundaries with them without attacking their character.
4. “That’s Not True.”
Of course, you will recognize when something they say isn’t true, but challenging their lies can put you in a tough position. They will attempt to gaslight you if you confront them about lying. You will ultimately end up in an argument where you’ll be questioning your own sanity. In the end, sociopaths thrive on creating confusion and chaos in relationships. You’ll be giving them what they want.
5. “I’m Leaving You.”
Again, threatening a sociopath is never a good move. Telling them you are leaving could potentially trigger unpredictable and even dangerous reactions. They often react poorly to losing control and they may act aggressively. This phrase could cause them to try and manipulate you or guilt trip you. They may even threaten you if you try to leave. If you want out of the relationship, you need to plan a calm departure.
6. “You Hurt My Feelings.”
A sociopath isn’t truly going to care that they hurt your feelings. In fact, they might even enjoy knowing they hurt your feelings and use it against you. Telling them this will only give them more power over you. To protect yourself, guard your emotions, and don’t let them use your feelings as leverage in the relationship.
7. “I Can Help You.”
Sociopaths don’t enjoy feeling vulnerable and they will see an offer of help as a weakness they can exploit. Even if they agree to accept your help, they may just use it against you. They’ll try to reframe your help as you being controlling. In the long run, offering help to a sociopath tends to lead to more harm than good.
8. “What You’re Doing Is Wrong.”
If you are dealing with a sociopath, they don’t usually spend any time reflecting or expressing remorse. They operate on a different moral compass altogether. They justify their behavior and refuse to see anything they’re doing as wrong. Informing them of any wrongdoing will likely only lead to them breaking you down.
9. “You Don’t Understand How I Feel.”
This phrase isn’t necessary because a sociopath truly doesn’t understand how you feel. They might feign understanding at first, but they lack genuine emotional insight. If you tell them they don’t understand, they may dismiss you or even mock you, making you feel more isolated. Look for emotional support from people who can provide it. Don’t expect it from a sociopath.
10. “Let’s Talk About the Future.”
Commitment and accountability are two things a sociopath is not interested in discussing. They have a self-centered mindset and considering anything about the future seems useless to them. A sociopath might humor you by giving you some vague, noncommittal answers, but they have no intention of delivering on anything they promise.
11. “I’ll Do Whatever You Want.”
Saying this to a sociopath could put you in a more vulnerable position. They might take advantage of your willingness to submit to them. Over time, this will lead to increasingly toxic behavior and they will continue pushing your boundaries. Maintain your independence and set strong boundaries so you don’t sacrifice your sense of self.
12. “I Trust You.”
While trust is essential in most relationships, you don’t want to say this to a sociopath. Oftentimes, giving your full trust to these individuals is a huge mistake. They might consider your trust as permission to push your boundaries. Without a doubt, they will take advantage of you. Keep your guard up when dealing with these types of people.
Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late
Dating someone who is a sociopath is mentally exhausting. If you want to survive a relationship with someone like this, you need to do what you can to protect yourself and your emotions from further harm. Try to avoid the phrases mentioned here and those that are similar. Instead, focus on setting firm boundaries and taking care of yourself. Always remember your emotional health matters too. You deserve a relationship built on mutual trust, empathy, and respect.