For most of us when we think of the term sociopath, we likely imagine some terrifying man boring through the television screen with an unchanging stare and creepy smile. Maybe we are reminded of a scene from an episode of Law and Order: SVU or Criminal Minds, when the female killer describes each brutal murder without a hint of emotion.
While uncomfortable stares and lack of emotional connection to actions are characteristics of a sociopath, the individuals who match the description go well beyond the serial killers who make the headlines. I recently read a gripping article, written last year, by a successful attorney and Sunday school teacher who also has been diagnosed as a sociopath.
M.E. Thomas writes in the article, as well as her book Confessions of a Sociopath, about how she simply does not feel connected to social norms; she is not “motivated or constrained” by what most of us hold as normal behavior. She feels no guilt and readily admits that she uses emotions and charm to manipulate. However, she also writes that she loves her family and friends.
Thomas notes that she has had dreams about killing people and believes that if she had been raised in a more abusive home, she might have been triggered to act out on those fantasies. The truth is, though, that she is among the thousands of other sociopaths living in our communities who lead seemingly normal lives while posing no threat to those around them. In fact, Thomas shares that one in twenty-five adults could be labeled a sociopath.
I encourage you to give the entire in-depth article a read. It is a captivating narrative written by a woman many of us probably would enjoy having as a friend. Like all mental illness, there are unique individuals behind each diagnosis who are more than the labels they are given.
I was intrigued by the author’s ability to make her readers rethink sociopaths but also uncomfortable with her narcissism and what seemed to be bragging about her detachment (which should be expected from a sociopath).
If you read the article, I would like to know what you thought of the piece!
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Author Jennifer Chase 
WOW. It seems to me it’s just a matter of time before she kills someone. Her grandiose attitude sickened me, and I had to force myself to continue reading. She says she’s the type of person others would adore. I’m betting with all her physical cues I’d stay as far away from her as possible. I’ve seen that cold stare before. It’s frightening and instantly kicks in the fight or flight response. I did, however, find it interesting that she says she loves her family and friends. I just don’t see how that’s possible. I’m betting she only stuck that in there because they’d read the article. Psychopaths are not capable of love. It’s just not in their DNA.
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I agree. It’s difficult to tell what’s really true or what she wants people to think is true. Thanks Sue for stopping by! 🙂
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Despite her functionality in life, I think any serious mental illness should be treated. It only takes following through on one impulse, and many lives can be changed. I was also not surprised that she is part of a religion; churches are great places for sociopaths to hide.
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Yes, it gives us some insight. I appreciate your comments and stopping by Johnny!
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Woman is evil. Bu then again it all be hogwash and not true but a scary character POV beggining of a novel.
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