These reflections are only briefly constructive to avoid falling back into the clutches of a sociopath. I don't use this descriptor lightly. It is heavy and laden with dark future events, loss of life, threatened safety, and shrewd emotional transgressions for the selfish betterment of the abuser's life. Theoretically, my partner could have been a narcissist, had bipolar disorder, or had a combination of disorders, but that wasn't the whole story. It went further than that. The sociopath label is rarely applied officially, even by professionals in the psychological community. Sociopaths do not seek help and when they do, it is often as part of a mandatory recovery program or under pressure from family members or close friends. Most often, it is the victims of sociopaths who occupy therapists' offices. When a sociopath enters treatment, they can often charm the practitioner. Many sociopaths are methodical and calculating, they can weave body language, facial expressions, vocal intonations, eye contact and flattery into a convincing tapestry to cover the eyes of a curious group. Sometimes they are flippant and may boast about their disregard for rules, authority, or the rights of others. However, most of them hide in plain sight and look like anyone else. They may seem deeply genuine, but often prey on confident, isolated, and sensitive individuals because their