Do you think you will fall in love with a psychopath or a narcissist? Most of the smarter women think they won’t. But skilled manipulators target all kinds of people. Can your intelligence outwit the predator? Let’s find out.
How likely is an intelligent woman to fall in love with psychopaths and narcissists?
We all like to think we’re smart enough to see behind a psychopath’s mask, but are we? Before we talk about intelligence, let’s examine the characteristics of psychopaths and narcissists.
Qualities of a psychopath
Psychopaths are charming, intelligent, and tend to be well-liked in society. They may have strong careers and earn higher wages. They are also naive and have a knack for chatter. I mean, what don’t you like?
Narcissistic traits
Narcissists, on the other hand, have mastered the mask they hide behind. Presenting their best side to the world, they have an exaggerated view of themselves and will lie and deceive to maintain that facade.
So we’re obviously dealing with some quirky characters here. But shouldn’t an intelligent, self-respecting woman be able to see through lies and manipulation? not necessarily.
Studies have shown that the opposite is true. In fact, women are attracted to psychopathic traits.
“Psychopathic men have a personal style that makes them appear attractive to women in dating encounters. This may be because they are overconfident, feel comfortable, or know exactly what to say to get women’s attention,” Christopher Brazile, PhD candidate at Brock University.
In one study, an assistant engaged in a two-minute dating scenario with males. I asked men what they liked on a first date and recorded their responses. After the questions, the males completed assessments of psychopathy, sociosexuality, and social intelligence.
These videos were then played on 108 young women who were asked to rate the attractiveness of men. The study found that women rate men with psychopathic tendencies highly. In other words, they found psychopaths more attractive.
So it seems that we are ready to find psychopaths attractive, but can our intelligence help us sort out manipulators?
Why smart women can’t help falling in love with psychopaths and narcissists
We judge people by our own standards
Psychopaths use their charm and intelligence to get what they want. They have no conscience so they will use any means necessary at their disposal. Now, the problem with this is that most people are not psychopaths. However, we assume that everyone acts the way we do.
We believe we all share the same moral compass, the same values and are respectful at heart. We can’t imagine how people can act in such a despicable manner. If it is not in our nature, it certainly cannot be in anyone else.
But of course, this is not the case. Just because we won’t cheat, lie, or put a light on someone, doesn’t mean others won’t.
We all think we have empathy for others, but some are born without empathy. They have no regard for other people’s feelings. They don’t have a conscience.
The other problem is that not every psychopath is like Hannibal Lecter. Some psychopaths only tick a few points on Her’s Psychopathy Checklist. In fact, studies show that psychopaths will use their short-term charm and deception in order to ensnare their victims. But they cannot maintain this pretense in the long run. Why? Because their selfish needs are their ultimate goals.
In other words, they will only deceive you until they get what they want.
Psychopaths are excellent manipulators
The other problem is that psychopaths and narcissists are born manipulators. They have this innate talent for charm, deception, and playing the part of the average person. They’ve spent years, decades even, perfecting their craft. So they know exactly what to say to excite you, to interest you, to put the spotlight on them.
“Psychopathic men are really good at pretending to show what women are attracted to. They’re really good at putting on that mask, making themselves look attractive… You exude a larger-than-life presence, and you give off an impression of grandeur.” Christopher Brazil
Psychopaths will make you feel like the most special person in the room. They will flatter and charm, and you will feel like the luckiest girl in the world. But of course they only do it to get what they want.
These types of manipulators are always confident. They are comfortable with themselves, and intelligent women find confident men very attractive.
Psychopaths also have a box of tricks up their sleeves when it comes to manipulating someone. They drag you into their circle by telling you false secrets about someone. They attract you by revealing a confidence they shouldn’t have.
They often do small favors and then demand a larger one in return. This arouses trust and a desire to reciprocate the help.
We care about our loved ones
One of the ways psychopaths and narcissists can deceive intelligent women is that they are unable to handle basic human emotions. In fact, studies have shown that they only mimic emotions in order to mimic or deceive the people around them.
“Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research indicates that psychopaths are unable to experience basic human emotions, feelings of guilt, regret, or empathy.” The firm’s psychopath expert Paul Babiac and legal behavior consultant Mary Ellen O’Toole
In relationships or a work environment, having no feelings can be a huge advantage, especially if you want to gain an advantage over someone. On the other hand, if you are an emotional person and care deeply about your partner or colleagues, you may agonize over the decisions you have to make.
Overly emotional people may feel guilty about breaking up with a partner. So much so that they delay it. Bosses may put up with shoddy work because they feel responsible for their employees.
Obviously, caring for others can be a disadvantage in certain circumstances. It can interfere with the way you do your job, or how you handle a relationship.
How can an intelligent woman identify as a psychopath or a narcissist?
I am saying that intelligent women are no less likely to fall in love with psychopaths or narcissists. Indeed, it is difficult for anyone to resist his charm. How can you resist?
Do others question this individual’s actions?
Sometimes we can be so under someone’s spell that we can’t see the wood for the trees. Do you ignore the advice of close friends? Do family members raise concerns about this individual? If there are many anxious people, you should be.
Does this person pick on your weaknesses?
Psychopaths have a pathological need to harm their victims once they get sucked in. They are driven by their victim’s weaknesses. They can’t help themselves. If your new boyfriend is getting particularly nasty and was once a wizard, he may be a psychopath.
Does he play mind games with you?
Jazz and mind games are this individual’s favorite manipulation tools. This is how he gets his kicks. If you start questioning yourself, thinking you’re crazy, you may be a victim of a psychopath.
