People who have an antisocial personality disorder display sociopathic behaviors. Some call these people sociopaths, and some call them psychopaths. But sociopaths are not psychotic or insane. In fact, they know the difference between right and wrong and often choose to do the wrong behavior. Most sociopaths are smart and conniving. They try to charm people into thinking they are someone they aren't.
Selfishness
Sociopaths care about their needs above all others. They don't care who they have to hurt or what they have to do to get what they want. They use people to get what they want. For instance, someone who displays sociopathic behaviors might get someone who's rich to fall in love with him and marry him without a prenuptial agreement. Then he would divorce the person while trying to get as much money out of her as possible.
Grandiose Sense of Self
Someone who's a sociopath thinks extremely highly of herself and boasts about herself every chance she can get. She wants the spotlight on her, and she wants everyone to be amazed by her. A sociopath thinks she's beautiful, witty, charming and intelligent. She thinks that others are below her, and she's not afraid to tell people that.
Aggression and Violence
Someone who's sociopathic will become aggressive and violent when angry. He might abuse his spouse or his children on a regular basis. He will use aggression as a form of manipulation and intimidation. A sociopath does not feel guilty when he hurts someone. If anything, he might get joy out of hurting someone, even if that person is a family member.
Risk-taking Behavior
Sociopaths believe they're almost invincible. They think they can get away with almost anything, because they're intelligent and charming. Because of this thinking, it's common for sociopaths to display risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving, driving at high speeds, having unprotected sex or committing robbery. Many times people who are sociopathic get into trouble with the law. They slip up or don't care enough to try to cover up criminal offenses they've committed. They are also extremely impulsive, which can get them in trouble with the law. They don't think before they act.
Work Issues
Someone who's sociopathic probably thinks he's better than his boss. He might come into work late, not show up for work at all some days and not care about work-related deadlines. Many times, people who are sociopathic have problems at work because of these issues and their inability to relate to others. They show no empathy for others unless they're trying to be charming.
