If you thought psychopaths only exist in asylums or are serial killers, you could not be more wrong. They could be among your friends, colleagues or even relatives. History has shown us more examples of male psychopaths.
A study shows that female psychopaths are nearly five times more common than male psychopaths. However they have not been under the radar because they are harder to detect.
We studied several studies and made a list. Here are 12 tips that can help you identify them.
Indirect Aggression is Their Main Arsenal
Female psychopaths often use indirect aggression as their primary tactic. Instead of direct confrontation, they spread rumors and gossip about their targets. They may even team up with others to isolate their victim.
Psychologist Paul Babiak notes that psychopaths struggle to form effective teams, which leads to dysfunctional group dynamics. This toxic behavior can mentally break their targets, causing them to avoid the environment where they are targeted.
They Are Masters Of Gaslighting
When you gaslight someone, you manipulate them to the extent where they start questioning their own reality. Female psychopaths have been shown to have far more prowess over gaslighting than others.
Judias Buenoano, also known as ‘The Black Widow’, was a master of this. She was arrested for killing over three people and gaslighting them into thinking that they were sick.
They Are Great At Charming People
Female psychopaths have shown a higher amount of charisma than others. They are always in the limelight, in contrast to male psychopaths, who are quiet and hide away. They charm people and are great at attracting crowds to listen to them.
Belle Gunness, nicknamed Hell’s Belle, has been known to have killed at least 14 people. Though she seemed like an ordinary widow, she used to charm wealthy people into giving her money.
Deception Is Probably Their Biggest Weapon
‘Despite the psychopath’s lack of conscience and lack of empathy for others, he is inevitably better at fooling people than any other type of offender.’ – Anna Salter.
While a psychopath does not feel emotions, they are very good at portraying them, irrespective of gender. Female psychopaths are even better at wearing facades and pretending that they fit in with the crowd. This is why it can be tough to spot one since they do not stand out easily.
Fear Is Not Something They Are Acquainted With
Psychopaths do not feel fear. This is common in both male and female psychopaths. So, they might seem impulsive and dauntless. They love taking on complex challenges without being afraid of the consequences. It’s partly what helps them succeed since they are not afraid to gamble on their decisions.
If you see a female who’s making bold decisions irrespective of the consequences, take a hint. There might be a possibility that she has a psychopathic edge to her persona.
They Exude Pride And An Immense Amount Of It
As said by Robert D. Hare in his book, Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us, “Psychopaths have a narcissistic and grossly inflated view of their self-worth and importance, a truly astounding egocentricity and sense of entitlement, and see themselves as the center of the universe, as superior beings who are justified in living according to their own rules.”
It has been seen numerous times that psychopaths are prideful and selfish, irrespective of gender. They do not regret their actions and will only use guilt as a means to blend in with the normal crowd.
They Are Always The Center of Attention
Research has shown that while female psychopaths are better at flying under the radar, they display acts of aggression on receive less attention. This is attributed to the narcissistic nature of psychopaths.
While being extremely good at blending with the crowd and portraying similar emotions, they still enjoy being under the limelight.
They Possess Heightened Senses of People’s Emotions
Unlike male psychopaths, female psychopaths are sensitive to people’s emotions. As a result, they are equally good at replicating and portraying it. This makes it easier for them to find out the chinks in your armor.
It can be challenging to hide your vulnerabilities from them since they are so perceptive about it. You might find them making comments about the same, hitting the target where it hurts.
You Will Find Them Having A Troubled Past
No one is born a psychopath. Most psychopaths, irrespective of gender, have been shown to have a troubled past. Research has shown that they usually come from broken families or have a history of troubled relationships.
If a woman, who shows most of these traits, also comes to you talking about her troubled past, just beware. While she would not be lying, she would get you to be vulnerable. Thus this would help her identify your weaknesses.
They Have Been Shown to Be Powermongers
Female psychopaths are often drawn to power and control. The narcissist in them sprouts more when they have access to this. In addition to that, with power comes fame, which flicks their attention switch.
Be it the corner office or the team lead, they are thirsty for power. So they will do everything in their power to climb through the ranks, even if it includes using people as pawns. Just keep an eye out for that.
They Are Masters of Seduction
You might witness female psychopaths using sex as a weapon to get close to you. People get vulnerable during that period. That is the time when female psychopaths use their charisma and manipulative skills to make you feel like you have a safe space.
Do watch out for actions like these. They will get under your skin and before you know it, you will be a subject of theirs.
They Are Never Remorseful of Their Actions
Psychopaths never experience genuine regret. Female psychopaths, in particular, do not feel remorse for their actions. What may appear as guilt or regret is often a temporary act to gain someone’s trust.
Jane Toppan, a nurse with over 12 victims, fits this profile perfectly. She poisoned her victims to steal their wealth and would sometimes heal them back to a miraculous recovery to avoid suspicion. When confronted in court, she showed no regret for her actions.