Hey everyone, and welcome to TopThink.
Hey everyone, and welcome to TopThink.

Today, we are going to learn about 5 ways to defend yourself from a psychopath.
Today, we are going to learn about 5 ways to defend yourself from a psychopath.

Now, let’s begin.
Now, let’s begin.

1.
1.

Recognizing Psychopaths To deal with a psychopath, you need to identify
Recognizing Psychopaths To deal with a psychopath, you need to identify

these people for who they are.
these people for who they are.

If they manipulate or take advantage of you, play to your weaknesses, or abuse your trust,
If they manipulate or take advantage of you, play to your weaknesses, or abuse your trust,

this person may be a psychopath, and it’s important you keep that fact in mind.
this person may be a psychopath, and it’s important you keep that fact in mind.

Otherwise, you may treat this person like anyone else.
Otherwise, you may treat this person like anyone else.

You may not recognize the games they play or the lies they tell.
You may not recognize the games they play or the lies they tell.

You may expect this person to abide by the same rules as everyone else.
You may expect this person to abide by the same rules as everyone else.

But they’re not like everyone else.
But they’re not like everyone else.

Before we go on, keep in mind that not every psychopath is the same.
Before we go on, keep in mind that not every psychopath is the same.

A small percentage of people have been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder or ASPD,
A small percentage of people have been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder or ASPD,

but not all those people want to hurt, deceive, or take advantage of others.
but not all those people want to hurt, deceive, or take advantage of others.

These harmless psychopaths may not experience empathy or emotional attachment the way you
These harmless psychopaths may not experience empathy or emotional attachment the way you

do, but they aren’t villains or criminals, like many people believe.
do, but they aren’t villains or criminals, like many people believe.

However, not all people with ASPD are harmless.
However, not all people with ASPD are harmless.

This neuropsychiatric disorder creates emotional deficits that facilitate violent, manipulative,
This neuropsychiatric disorder creates emotional deficits that facilitate violent, manipulative,

and criminal behavior.
and criminal behavior.

If you have a psychopath in your life, harmless or not, it’s important to be aware of how
If you have a psychopath in your life, harmless or not, it’s important to be aware of how

their wants and needs differ from your own, especially if that person shows signs of cruelty
their wants and needs differ from your own, especially if that person shows signs of cruelty

or manipulation.
or manipulation.

Because the worst thing you can be in the company of a deceptive psychopath… is unaware.
Because the worst thing you can be in the company of a deceptive psychopath… is unaware.

If you give them opportunities to take advantage of you or push their twisted agendas, there’s
If you give them opportunities to take advantage of you or push their twisted agendas, there’s

a good chance you’ll put yourself in a bad position.
a good chance you’ll put yourself in a bad position.

If you think there’s a psychopath in your life, try to identify concrete signs of ASPD,
If you think there’s a psychopath in your life, try to identify concrete signs of ASPD,

so that you can be alert and aware.
so that you can be alert and aware.

These signs do not guarantee anyone wants to hurt or manipulate you, but they can help
These signs do not guarantee anyone wants to hurt or manipulate you, but they can help

you identify dangerous personalities.
you identify dangerous personalities.

Some common signs include socially negligent behavior and a frequent disregard for the
Some common signs include socially negligent behavior and a frequent disregard for the

safety of others.
safety of others.

Psychopaths are also prone to dishonesty and deception.
Psychopaths are also prone to dishonesty and deception.

For example, many psychopathic personalities are chronically dishonest.
For example, many psychopathic personalities are chronically dishonest.

They lie to push their agendas.
They lie to push their agendas.

They lie to escape commitments.
They lie to escape commitments.

Sometimes, they lie simply because they enjoy it.
Sometimes, they lie simply because they enjoy it.

Individually, these psychological signs don’t guarantee you’re dealing with a psychopath.
Individually, these psychological signs don’t guarantee you’re dealing with a psychopath.

But, if you see multiple signs appearing consistently, you may have a psychopath in your life.
But, if you see multiple signs appearing consistently, you may have a psychopath in your life.

Luckily, you can defend yourself.
Luckily, you can defend yourself.

By identifying the signs and keeping their emotional deficits in mind, you can coexist
By identifying the signs and keeping their emotional deficits in mind, you can coexist

with a psychopath without putting yourself in danger.
with a psychopath without putting yourself in danger.

2.
2.

Trust Yourself A psychopath may use your words, ideas, and
Trust Yourself A psychopath may use your words, ideas, and

emotions against you.
emotions against you.

They may push their agendas by forcing you to question your judgment.
They may push their agendas by forcing you to question your judgment.

Little by little, they destroy your trust in yourself.
Little by little, they destroy your trust in yourself.

They convince you that your memories are lying to you, creating stress, uncertainty, and
They convince you that your memories are lying to you, creating stress, uncertainty, and

self-doubt.
self-doubt.

The popular term for this is gaslighting.
The popular term for this is gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a kind of psychological manipulation in which the gas lighter uses dishonesty and
Gaslighting is a kind of psychological manipulation in which the gas lighter uses dishonesty and

guilt to make you question your memory, perception, or sanity.
guilt to make you question your memory, perception, or sanity.

Let’s say, for example, you and your partner have a terrible fight.
Let’s say, for example, you and your partner have a terrible fight.

Weeks later, you bring up the fight to your partner, and they say something like, “You
Weeks later, you bring up the fight to your partner, and they say something like, “You

have a terrible memory.
have a terrible memory.

That’s not what happened.”
That’s not what happened.”

Suddenly, you begin to question your own memories.
Suddenly, you begin to question your own memories.

You start to wonder, “Am I remembering things incorrectly?”
You start to wonder, “Am I remembering things incorrectly?”

Once that happens, your partner is in control.
Once that happens, your partner is in control.

They have the power to rewrite history because you no longer trust your judgment.
They have the power to rewrite history because you no longer trust your judgment.

Gaslighting is a dangerous mind-game played by psychopaths and sociopaths.
Gaslighting is a dangerous mind-game played by psychopaths and sociopaths.

If someone is gaslighting you, it can cause you grief, frustration, and anger.
If someone is gaslighting you, it can cause you grief, frustration, and anger.

It can destroy your self-esteem and shatter your self-confidence.
It can destroy your self-esteem and shatter your self-confidence.

So, how do you defend yourself from this emotional manipulation?
So, how do you defend yourself from this emotional manipulation?

If you have a psychopath in your life, remember to always trust your instincts.
If you have a psychopath in your life, remember to always trust your instincts.

Put faith in your judgment above everyone else’s.
Put faith in your judgment above everyone else’s.

This person might tell you something that contrasts what you believe.
This person might tell you something that contrasts what you believe.

And you can listen to what they say, but don’t take their opinions as fact.
And you can listen to what they say, but don’t take their opinions as fact.

Use your mind.
Use your mind.

Think through the things they are telling, and ask yourself, “Is that really how it
Think through the things they are telling, and ask yourself, “Is that really how it

happened?”
happened?”

Because no matter what they tell you, you’re not crazy.
Because no matter what they tell you, you’re not crazy.

You’re not fabricating experiences that never happened.
You’re not fabricating experiences that never happened.

Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn’t have your best interests in mind.

3.
3.

Take Everything Lightly We know that psychopaths are habitual liars,
Take Everything Lightly We know that psychopaths are habitual liars,

but most people don’t realize how convincing their lies can be.
but most people don’t realize how convincing their lies can be.

Psychopaths tell elaborate stories filled with convincing details.
Psychopaths tell elaborate stories filled with convincing details.

They understand what people want to hear, and they change their stories to cater to
They understand what people want to hear, and they change their stories to cater to

your personality.
your personality.

Sometimes, they’ll lie to get on your good side.
Sometimes, they’ll lie to get on your good side.

They may tell stories that directly relate to your experiences.
They may tell stories that directly relate to your experiences.

You want to like and believe them.
You want to like and believe them.

You may find them charming and charismatic, but that’s exactly what a psychopath wants.
You may find them charming and charismatic, but that’s exactly what a psychopath wants.

To defend yourself from these manipulative characters, keep your wits about you.
To defend yourself from these manipulative characters, keep your wits about you.

In other words, take everything they say lightly.
In other words, take everything they say lightly.

There’s no guarantee anything they say is true.
There’s no guarantee anything they say is true.

Maybe they told you a story about growing up in a tough neighborhood.
Maybe they told you a story about growing up in a tough neighborhood.

Maybe they fabricated relationships, work experiences, or extravagant vacations.
Maybe they fabricated relationships, work experiences, or extravagant vacations.

With a psychopath, everything is up for grabs.
With a psychopath, everything is up for grabs.

But don’t spend too much time worrying about which is which.
But don’t spend too much time worrying about which is which.

Trying to differentiate fact from fiction is a trap every psychopath tries to create.
Trying to differentiate fact from fiction is a trap every psychopath tries to create.

They want you to be confused.
They want you to be confused.

They want you to accept fiction as fact.
They want you to accept fiction as fact.

Because that gives them an advantage over you.
Because that gives them an advantage over you.

Suddenly, they know something you don’t, and they can use that something to push their
Suddenly, they know something you don’t, and they can use that something to push their

agenda.
agenda.

So, what’s the answer?
So, what’s the answer?

How do you defend yourself?
How do you defend yourself?

The simple answer is… don’t put stock in anything they say.
The simple answer is… don’t put stock in anything they say.

Don’t be surprised when stories change, and don’t get too invested in specifics
Don’t be surprised when stories change, and don’t get too invested in specifics

about their life.
about their life.

It may be the truth.
It may be the truth.

It may be a lie.
It may be a lie.

But if you understand how this person operates, you can stay one step ahead.
But if you understand how this person operates, you can stay one step ahead.

4.
4.

Defending Details Sharing personal details with a psychopath
Defending Details Sharing personal details with a psychopath

often backfires.
often backfires.

These people may not engage emotionally with the stories you tell, but they remember those
These people may not engage emotionally with the stories you tell, but they remember those

stories down to the letter.
stories down to the letter.

Because every personal detail about you may come in handy.
Because every personal detail about you may come in handy.

Psychopaths rely on personal details to get their way.
Psychopaths rely on personal details to get their way.

To get those details, they worm their way into your comfort zone.
To get those details, they worm their way into your comfort zone.

They act like your friend.
They act like your friend.

They rapidly deepen your emotional connection.
They rapidly deepen your emotional connection.

They make you feel wanted, heard, and loved like no one else does.
They make you feel wanted, heard, and loved like no one else does.

But they’re only pursuing this connection to earn your trust.
But they’re only pursuing this connection to earn your trust.

They want you to expose your wants, needs, and fears.
They want you to expose your wants, needs, and fears.

They want to discover your weaknesses, because once they know where you’re vulnerable,
They want to discover your weaknesses, because once they know where you’re vulnerable,

they can hit you where it hurts.
they can hit you where it hurts.

This is how many psychopaths deceive and take advantage of other people.
This is how many psychopaths deceive and take advantage of other people.

They impersonate loyal friends and loving partners.
They impersonate loyal friends and loving partners.

But once you trust a psychopath, they gradually change the way you think.
But once you trust a psychopath, they gradually change the way you think.

They use techniques like gaslighting to isolate you from the rest of your relationships.
They use techniques like gaslighting to isolate you from the rest of your relationships.

They convince you that no one else is on your side, but that’s never the truth.
They convince you that no one else is on your side, but that’s never the truth.

If you want to protect yourself from a psychopath, be wary about the personal details you share,
If you want to protect yourself from a psychopath, be wary about the personal details you share,

especially with someone you haven’t known for very long.
especially with someone you haven’t known for very long.

Because trusting someone can be dangerous.
Because trusting someone can be dangerous.

Being vulnerable can leave you open to injury.
Being vulnerable can leave you open to injury.

I’m not telling you to close yourself off to the world, but if there is a psychopath
I’m not telling you to close yourself off to the world, but if there is a psychopath

in your life, keep your cards close to your chest.
in your life, keep your cards close to your chest.

Remain in control, protect your weak spots, and don’t let them isolate you from your
Remain in control, protect your weak spots, and don’t let them isolate you from your

friends and family.
friends and family.

Because no matter what they say, you have control over your life.
Because no matter what they say, you have control over your life.

5.
5.

Mental Fortitude If there’s a psychopath in your life, whether
Mental Fortitude If there’s a psychopath in your life, whether

it’s at work or at home, you need mental and emotional strength to survive this toxic
it’s at work or at home, you need mental and emotional strength to survive this toxic

relationship.
relationship.

You need mental strength to avoid manipulative tactics like gaslighting.
You need mental strength to avoid manipulative tactics like gaslighting.

You need mental strength to exercise caution when a psychopath abuses your sympathy.
You need mental strength to exercise caution when a psychopath abuses your sympathy.

But more than that, you need mental strength to remain strong in the face of every toxic
But more than that, you need mental strength to remain strong in the face of every toxic

and manipulative personality.
and manipulative personality.

Most people fall for a psychopath’s tricks because they don’t have the strength to
Most people fall for a psychopath’s tricks because they don’t have the strength to

stand up for themselves.
stand up for themselves.

If a psychopath is gaslighting you, for example, they will wear away at your self-esteem, until
If a psychopath is gaslighting you, for example, they will wear away at your self-esteem, until

you don’t have the strength to resist their calm and confident agenda.
you don’t have the strength to resist their calm and confident agenda.

If you want to defend yourself from toxic, psychopathic individuals, it’s essential
If you want to defend yourself from toxic, psychopathic individuals, it’s essential

to build your mental and emotional strength.
to build your mental and emotional strength.

There are dozens of habits and routines you can use to get stronger, but one of the most
There are dozens of habits and routines you can use to get stronger, but one of the most

important is self-case.
important is self-case.

Often, people allow their lives to be consumed by work and relationships.
Often, people allow their lives to be consumed by work and relationships.

You become so overwhelmed by stress that you lose touch with who you are and what you believe.
You become so overwhelmed by stress that you lose touch with who you are and what you believe.

When this happens, you become vulnerable to manipulative personalities, because you don’t
When this happens, you become vulnerable to manipulative personalities, because you don’t

have the energy or confidence to defend your individuality.
have the energy or confidence to defend your individuality.

If there is a psychopath in your life, remind yourself every day that you are strong, capable,
If there is a psychopath in your life, remind yourself every day that you are strong, capable,

and significant.
and significant.

Because a psychopath wants you to believe the opposite.
Because a psychopath wants you to believe the opposite.

They want you to feel powerless, confused, and stressed.
They want you to feel powerless, confused, and stressed.

They want you to discredit your abilities and surrender control of your life.
They want you to discredit your abilities and surrender control of your life.

But if you remind yourself what you’re capable of, you remain in control.
But if you remind yourself what you’re capable of, you remain in control.

Not only is this useful against psychopaths, but it also teaches you to stand up to toxic
Not only is this useful against psychopaths, but it also teaches you to stand up to toxic

personalities.
personalities.

Because you will run into more of these manipulative people in your life.
Because you will run into more of these manipulative people in your life.

They may not all be psychopaths.
They may not all be psychopaths.

But there will be people who try to take advantage of you.
But there will be people who try to take advantage of you.

If you can be strong in the face of these confident, strong-minded characters, you can
If you can be strong in the face of these confident, strong-minded characters, you can

protect yourself, no matter how many lies they tell.
protect yourself, no matter how many lies they tell.

Thank you for watching TopThink, and be sure to subscribe, because more incredible content
Thank you for watching TopThink, and be sure to subscribe, because more incredible content

is on the way.
is on the way.