Egocentric they love being the center of attention. They hurt you and your children time and time again. Compromise is very difficult and sometimes simply not possible when divorcing a sociopath. Avoid Pity Parties; Sociopaths have an easy time manipulating those who pity too easily. As we often tell men and women who call us and tell us about their fears of divorcing their sociopathic spouses, it is time to start thinking with your head, not with your heart. What we sometimes hear from those we believe may be sociopathic is their belief that just because they earn the money during the marriage as opposed to their spouse, regardless of California's community property laws, the money must be theirs and not community property. Even after divorcing an NP, they will always be there waiting to hurt you every chance they get - especially if you have children together. A sadistic sense of pleasure at someone else's pain. You need to be wary when dealing with a person with sociopathic tendencies. Sociopaths use flattery as a tool for manipulation. A sociopath has little concern for another person's feelings, desires or needs. That is how they attempt to control their spouse and children. True sociopaths lie without control or remorse, although they may attempt to show remorse for problems or pains their lies have caused from time to time. This time turning your gaze away from their face to your phone. Who he really is, is this impulsive, manipulative, aggressive, and abusive man. Divorcing a sociopath takes that to another level. They wont respond well and it might turn into a fight. In some cases, the sociopath will realize their inability . If they know you are aware then they will most likely be genuine with you, while still refraining from causing a Continue Reading More answers below Quora User If youre wondering how to deal with a sociopath, we can assume that you have a very well-founded belief that your spouse is one. What we talked about is just marriage with a sociopath in a nutshell. Stay away from them. Be careful, and live with a heightened sense of awareness. They will make you question your sanity, they will change your personality, and make you incapable of thinking straight. Do not become interested in anything they have to say because they are great at manipulating others into believing that their way is the best avenue. If you are your own worst enemy, you don't cooperate with your lawyer, you let your emotions run amok, or you engage in conduct that is inappropriate, etc. For example, they might tell you about a party you were not invited you just to rile you up. If she refuses to see her lying as a problem, you may need to limit your contact with her. They will give you all sorts of sob stories to get you to do their bidding. Some examples we have seen include cutting off a spouse financially, refusing to allow the spouse or children to socialize with others and emotionally abusing a spouse or child through belittling and insulting behavior. This might be a very nasty, insensitive, and often dangerous side of him. That is supposed to be less common in a sociopath and more common in a psychopath. Do not compete with them, dont try to outsmart them or even psychoanalyze them. Thats how to deal with a sociopath. The second mistake could be a serious mistake. 5. Thanks for the article. If you know someone who's manipulative and remorseless, it's important to deal with the situation so you won't end up feeling emotionally drained. If a sociopath tries to exploit you in a situation where you can't disengage, assertive non-compliance is the best strategy. When a sociopathic person isn't in control, they may lash out. More importantly, you should talk as less as you can. However, a personality or antisocial disorder, whether diagnosed or not, is not something to be taken lightly. [deleted] 3 yr. ago. Do not do anything dishonest (for instance, do not record telephone . "I'm doing great, thanks." 1. Narcissistic sociopaths will try to take advantage of you if you are not assertive. A sociopath has no guilt or remorse for hurting others because of their actions. Testimonials or case results do not guarantee you will get the same or similar result. Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience, and is now the Clinical Director at Coast Psychological Services in Los Angeles, California. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You simply cannot cure a sociopath. Fear can be paralyzing if you do not get it under control. Losing your cool gives a. It is much more than a "free" consultation. Now, let's look at some tactics that in our experience can lessen the damage a sociopathic personality can cause in a California divorce. Do not play mind games with a sociopath. All Rights Reserved. None of the testimonials, case results or anything else written on this website, are a guarantee, warranty, prediction or assurance regarding the results that may be obtained in your case. Fairly soon after you have started your relationship, the sociopath will begin to show his inner ugliness. You will be alone, exhausted, and lost. Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. You will not know how to leave when you finally get to the point of realizing that you need to. Good luck to all! Murdaugh said Thursday he suffered from "paranoid thinking" when he admitted to lying to . 3. These toxic individuals usually wait until after marriage to reveal themselves. You are reading this article. Smith-Ostler Additions to Child Support, Dividing Property in a California Divorce. When we start thinking this way, we have enslaved ourselves to more abuse in all its various forms. Right is who he really is. We get those phone calls months or years later from spouses who call us for the first time and who went through a divorce case, got a result with which they were unhappy and want us to come in and assist them. . Mention you tell everything about your life to these people. Sociopaths like to make a divorce more like a nightmare. They can be equally abusive and destructive. But, the reality of things is hes not. California Spousal Support and Domestic Violence, health insurance may cover mental health therapy. Keep Your Emotions in Check No matter how frustrated or upset you feel, keep your emotions in check. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Deal-With-a-Sociopath-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-With-a-Sociopath-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Deal-With-a-Sociopath-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid888438-v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Sociopath-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"