Narcissist + Sociopath = Narcopath

We have all come across Narcissists in our life – I actually wrote a post back in 2012 about it listed under “Behavior”.  

So do you know any Sociopaths?  How about a cross-section of the two which would be a Narcopath?  I never knew that the name Narcopath actually existed until I stumbled upon this piece.  Here are some interesting facts for you that I had to share.............

THE 11 KEY SIMILARITIES OF NARCISSISTS AND SOCIOPATHS

1. Both are very charming and charismatic.

2. Both tend to be very intuitive and skilled at observing and reading people.

3. Both are egocentric and self-interested. Me, Me, Me and Mine!

4. Both do not take accountability or blame for their actions but will gladly accept the credit for anything positive.

5. Both have an inflated view of themselves. They both have a sense of entitlement and believe they are more important than they really are.

6. Both believe they are never wrong.

7. Both lack empathy, guilt and remorse.

8. Both lack insight into their emotions and are incapable of self-reflection.

9. Both can convincingly mimic the emotions and corresponding behaviors of others, but do not actually feel or think the same way as emotionally healthy people.

10. Both exhibit a high need for power and control.

11. Both will use social media to intentionally cyber-abuse and torture or emotionally fluster a former spouse or lover.

THE 11 KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NARCISSISTS AND SOCIOPATHS:

1. Sociopaths will deliver an insincere but convincing apology if it benefits their agenda, a narcissist will not.

2. Sociopaths will appear more humble and less of a braggart. Narcissists are more oblivious to how they appear to others and will often boast about their achievements ad nauseum.

3. Sociopaths upon meeting you, will try to pick your brain and ask you a lot of questions. Narcissists will focus the conversation on themselves and their interests.

4. Sociopaths have no real personality. They are chameleons and will change their identity (interests, likes, beliefs) in order to manipulate others. Narcissists are more concerned with always being perceived as the BEST.

5. Sociopaths are manipulative and calculating and will exploit others to their benefit and to further their agenda. Narcissists aren’t as calculating. They are self-centered and will step on others or throw others under the bus if they feel someone is hindering their agenda.

6. Sociopaths ignore  social norms and boundaries not only out of a sense of entitlement, but to manipulate situations to further their interests. Narcissists also feel a sense of entitlement, but will ignore rules and social norms more from a place of self-importance.

7. Sociopaths are more interested in winning and in being right at all costs. Narcissists are more interested in feeling admired and special.

8. Sociopaths are more prone to boredom and more likely to be an adrenaline junkies. Narcissists may or may not need excess stimulation.

9. Sociopaths will set a trap months in advance if they perceive you are obstructing their plans, and patiently wait to take you down. Narcissists are less calculating but will lie, intimidate or destroy you if they perceive you as hindering their plans.

10. Sociopaths will manipulate others so they can gain financially by doing as little work as possible with the least amount of effort. Narcissists don’t mind putting in effort and working hard if it leads to admiration and accolades.

11. Sociopaths are more likely to abruptly abandon you if their cover is blown and their manipulation tactics are no longer effective. Narcissists will have a pattern of overlapping relationships that end very poorly.

Remember, human behavior is as varied as the number of humans on the planet. Some people may exhibit traits from both categories but the majority of their traits will fall into one category over the other.  But a lot of individuals will NOT fall neatly into one of the two categories. Some will have a pretty equal number of traits dispersed in both categories. In this case, a term is used to cover both bases: Narcopath (Narcissist + Sociopath = Narcopath). Here is where the term "educated consumer" comes into focus.  Being armed with this knowledge can help you navigate the waters.