People Who Are Mental & Emotional Psychopaths Usually Say 9 Phrases In Casual Conversation
Igor Starkov | Pexels We often consider psychopathy an inherently bad thing, but it's more nuanced than that. More individuals show less blatant traits in their everyday life, hidden in all kinds of casual phrases and behaviors.
Mental and emotional psychopaths may not care about others, but it's subtle when they're only thinking about themselves. Some only have shreds of psychopathy that blend with their more favorable traits, but others are hiding a seriously harmful inner character.
Mental and emotional psychopaths usually say these phrases casually
1. 'I have to do what's best for me'
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So many people use this phrase daily to protect their peace, but when it comes from mental and emotional psychopaths, it's because they have a grander sense of self. Even when it comes at the demise or destruction of others, they're looking out for themselves.
It's the same sentiment that fuels their "I don't owe anyone anything" attitude. They're truly looking out for their own interests before considering anyone else.
Yes, they might be charming and make good first impressions, as a 2014 study suggests, but at the end of the day, they're not overly empathetic or considerate of others, especially if that requires some kind of selflessness.
2. 'You should really listen to me'
Whether it's at home in a relationship or with peers at work, a psychopath often reveals their grandiose sense of self with phrases like this. They think in black-and-white terms, where they're always correct and right, and everyone else is wrong.
Oftentimes, the internal insecurity that they're constantly coping with, along with other similar personalities of a narcissist, prompts this mindset. They can't handle making a mistake or being wrong, so they rely on overconfidence to convince others to put their trust in them.
Rather than changing their minds or creating space for others in conversation, they rely on an unshakeable kind of confidence as evidence that they're right.
3. 'I know what you need'
The manipulation that filters through a psychopath's interactions is clear in phrases like "trust me" or "I know what you need." They think they always have the answers and believe they're entitled to other people's time and trust.
They use people more than they support them, so it's easy to play games and trick them into making decisions that are against their best interests. It's not necessarily to harm others intentionally, but to support their own comfort and well-being.
4. 'You're different from everyone else'
It sounds charming when you hear this phrase, but when a psychopath says it, it's not because they're empathetic or considerate. They're focused on making great first impressions because it makes taking advantage that much easier down the road.
Because they need to be admired and envied, throwing out compliments and making people feel good about themselves at first ensures they get the validation they're looking for. It's in their nature to seek evidence of their grandiose sense of self, even if that starts with a misleading first impression.
5. 'I'm just too busy'
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Relationships are often a convenience to mental and emotional psychopaths, because their sense of self and personal interests will always come first. Even in a relationship where support is a bare minimum expectation, they tend to drop the ball unless they're getting some kind of transactional value from showing up.
They break promises and fall short on commitments, usually in favor of their own needs and comfort. If something better comes along, their relationships are the first things on the chopping block.
6. 'It's not my fault you didn't know'
It's not an entire lack of empathy that promotes blame-shifting behaviors and a fear of taking accountability in psychopaths. Rather, it's an ego-first mindset that makes dealing with other people's interests and needs impossibly difficult.
They'd prefer to place themselves in a chronic victim role because then they don't have to create space for other people. They don't have to face their own underlying insecurity and apologize. Instead, they can sweep everything under the rug, and sometimes even blame others for being hurt or calling out their behavior.
7. 'You only live once'
Plenty of empathetic, open-minded people use phrases like this to justify getting out of their comfort zone and seeking out new experiences. However, for psychopaths prone to risk-taking, it's usually a form of peer pressure or a reason to make irresponsible decisions in their daily lives.
On top of that, their callous, passive mentality and manipulative behaviors all play into these risks. They're not afraid to put other people's well-being at stake to get ahead or get what they need.
They're not considering how pressuring someone puts them in danger. They're only thinking about themselves and instant gratification or validation.
8. 'You're remembering that wrong'
Rewriting history and gaslighting other people by invalidating their emotions is how a psychopath protects their own comfort. When making a mistake feels like the end of the world, they're willing to do anything to prevent someone from calling out their behavior and forcing an apology.
Without the basic kinds of empathy most people use to fuel accountability, these people aren't afraid to dismiss and invalidate everyone else's feelings to protect their sense of grandiosity.
9. 'You should be thanking me'
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When they're called out for bad behavior or are forced to face the consequences of their own risky actions, psychopaths are rarely quick to apologize. They lack the humility necessary for taking accountability, hence the defensiveness and frustration they experience in these situations.
Before you hear something like "I'm sorry" or "I was wrong," you'll hear "you should be thanking me."
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
