More often than not, their partner will describe a relationship with them as “cold” or “distant.” When a sociopath is in a relationship, they may use certain phrases that will help them to control or manipulate their partner. “Sociopaths are innately manipulative; they cannot help themselves,” Dr. Turner says. “In some cases this is deliberate on their part, but very often it is an unconscious act — almost a reflex. They can’t help but be destructive to their partners, and in many instances they enjoy the challenge of ‘breaking’ the other person. The stronger and more independent that person is, the better.” Basically, it can be a game for them.
Often sociopaths can seem totally nice, charming, and otherwise like anybody else at first, so it can make it difficult to spot the red flags. But according to experts, here are some common phrases sociopaths are likely to use on the people they love.
1
“Nobody gets me like you do.”
“It’s important to realize that they do ‘feel’ certain things, but they are limited,” Laney Zukerman, relationship coach and author, tells Bustle. A sociopathic person can feel basic emotions such as pain, anger, sexual attraction, pleasure, and interest. However, these feelings are often “glib and fleeting,” she says. So when a sociopath uses a phrase like, “nobody gets me like you do,” they may actually mean it. But don’t read too much into that — there’s usually no hidden meaning behind it, and they may consider it a low-key way of expressing their emotions.
2
“I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”
Coming from anyone else, this line may seem like a sweet declaration of love. But coming from a sociopath, this is a phrase that may be used to further their agenda. “There is no real depth to their words,” Zukerman says. That being said, sociopaths can be highly intelligent. They know what people like to hear, so they’ll usually say things in the moment to get people on their side. According to Zuckerman, “lying is like breathing” to many sociopaths. It makes them look good and gets them what they want in the moment.
