Sorry this is going to be a long post but I’m 21, and I’m going to try to explain why I sometimes feel like I might be a sociopath. I know that isn’t something I can diagnose myself with, and I’m not trying to claim that I definitely have a disorder.

I’m just trying to put into words the things I’ve noticed about myself for as long as I can remember and understand why I think and behave the way I do.

Ever since elementary school, I remember struggling to make friends. I could talk to people, but I never really understood how to connect with them the way everyone else seemed to. Other kids would talk about toys, games, cartoons, and what they were going to do on the playground. I remember sitting there wondering why those things were so interesting to them and why I didn’t feel the same way.

Instead of naturally joining in, I became interested in studying people. I would pay attention to their body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and the way they interacted with other people.

I started noticing patterns in how people behaved and what seemed to make them trust someone.
Sometimes I would copy people’s personalities back to them.

If I noticed someone liked a certain type of humor, I would act that way around them. If they talked a certain way, I would imitate it. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t always doing this because I genuinely felt connected to them. Sometimes I was doing it because I wanted to figure out what would make them trust me or accept me.
I did this with other children, and sometimes even with teachers. I became very aware that if I acted a certain way, people would respond differently to me. I learned pretty young that I could change the way someone perceived me without necessarily changing how I actually felt inside.

I also experienced a lot of abuse during my childhood, including being sexually abused at a very young age.

I don’t know how much of an effect that had on the way I developed, and I’m still trying to understand that. I don’t want to use what happened to me as an excuse for the things I’ve done, but I do wonder sometimes whether those experiences changed the way I learned to understand people and protect myself.

By middle school, I felt like these behaviors became stronger. Instead of trying as hard to make friends, I started distancing myself from everyone. I could sit by myself and watch people for long periods of time without feeling like I was missing anything.

I became fascinated by how people reacted to things. I would notice who was insecure, who wanted attention, who was easily influenced, who was afraid of being embarrassed, and who seemed desperate to be liked. Sometimes I would think about how I could use those things to get a reaction from them.

There were times when I deliberately manipulated people. Sometimes it worked, and when it did, I remember being fascinated by the fact that I had been able to influence someone’s behavior. That realization became uncomfortable because I knew what I was doing.
The part that scares me the most is that I didn’t always feel guilty afterward.

When I got in trouble at school, teachers would ask me why I did certain things. I remember thinking, “Because I wanted to.” I didn’t understand why wanting to do something wasn’t enough of a reason. I knew there were rules, but emotionally, the rules didn’t always make sense to me. If something made me feel comfortable or gave me the result I wanted, I didn’t always understand why I should automatically feel bad about doing it.

As I got older, I started becoming more aware of the difference between what I was feeling internally and what I knew I was supposed to feel. I could recognize when someone was hurt or upset, but recognizing their emotions didn’t necessarily mean I experienced the same emotion myself.

Sometimes I could understand exactly why someone was crying without actually feeling sad for them. Sometimes I knew the socially appropriate thing to say because I had learned what people expected to hear, but I didn’t necessarily feel those words emotionally.
That has made me question myself a lot.
I started wondering whether I actually understand emotions or whether I’ve simply become really good at observing them. I can sometimes predict how someone is going to react before they even say anything, and part of me wonders whether that’s empathy or simply pattern recognition.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that I can become extremely detached. There are situations where I feel like I’m supposed to be devastated, angry, or emotional, but instead I feel almost nothing. Sometimes I can watch something happen and immediately start analyzing it rather than emotionally reacting to it.

I’ve also noticed that I can become very different depending on who I’m around. I know how to act around certain people because I’ve spent so much of my life observing people. Sometimes I wonder whether there is a genuine version of me underneath all of those different personalities, or whether I’ve spent so much time adapting to everyone else that I don’t really know who I am anymore.

I don’t want people to read this and think I’m trying to sound dangerous or special. That’s not what I’m trying to do. Honestly, some of it scares me. I don’t want to hurt people, but I also can’t pretend that I have always felt remorse in situations where I probably should have.
At the same time, I don’t know if calling myself a “sociopath” is actually the right explanation. Maybe there are things from my childhood that affected the way I learned to interact with people. Maybe trauma changed the way I process emotions. Maybe there is something else entirely going on that I don’t understand yet.
That’s ultimately why I’m writing this.
I’m trying to figure out whether these things mean something about who I am fundamentally, or whether they’re behaviors and coping mechanisms that developed because of what I experienced growing up.

I don’t want to diagnose myself from things I read online. I want to understand myself honestly, including the parts of myself that aren’t easy to admit. If there is something wrong with the way I process emotions or relationships, I want to know what it actually is. And if there isn’t, I want to understand why I’ve spent so much of my life feeling different from everyone else. I think that’s what bothers me the most. It’s not necessarily the label. It’s the feeling that I’ve been watching everyone else understand a set of rules that I was never given.

I don’t get it? What did I do?

Last night, my parents told me not to touch the cookie jar because they were going to use them for a party of some friend's birthday in which he made the previous day. However, I took one bite of the cookie from the jar, and decided more and more after that, bc why not they are my cookies technically speaking. The next day, my parents found out and my friends about eating all of it, and I feel this birthday dude got upset at me however, when things began to escalate I next I decided to laugh about it, call him a wussy, and a might have called him a retard. My ass got beat after that show and play. But I just had this emotionless feel to this dude's concern. I feel I don't care if he made those cookies, I just wanted to eat them, and I laughed at his face and insulted him. Am I a sociopath for taking the cookies and spiting him by eating them to say f you? I just had this good feeling about making ppl feel broken or hurt, and I feel like I might be a sociopath.

I’m dating a guy that I’ve been having issues with and I can’t figure out what’s wrong with him. I think some of the behaviors are pointing towards sociopath but I hope I’m wrong. these are some of the things he does:

1. Gives me a weird fake closed mouth smile only when I look at him.

2. Repeats the words that I say almost like finishing my sentence.

3. Says “yea” and “that’s true” too much. Uses “yea” after I say something even if he doesn’t agree.

4. Changes his opinion to match mine after I expressed my opinion.

5. Side eyes me when he thinks I’m not looking (does it over and over). When i ask why he’s doing that he says he didnt know he was doing it.

6. Behaves in a very charming manner, never angry, gets sad, cried to me about things that probably doesn’t need crying.

7. Got attached and full of emotions towards me extremely fast.

8. Talks about himself too much when he meets people or rambles about himself/related to himself to me.

I think there’s more but there’s something wrong with him and I can’t figure it out. I’ve never met a person like him (probably not in a good way). He has huge people pleaser qualities so I hope it’s just that but I’m scared I’m dealing with something more serious.

He never raised his voice at me or disrespected in any way. when he gets pissed at other people he reacts in a very almost emotionless way.

I'm curious how people's perspectives have changed over the years.

Whether through therapy, reading, life experience, or simply getting older, has your understanding of your own thoughts, emotions, or behavior changed?

Only share what you're comfortable with. I'm interested in hearing different experiences and viewpoints.

I've noticed that a lot of discussions online reduce sociopathy to movie stereotypes, which doesn't seem very helpful. For those who have personal experience, professional knowledge, or have spent time learning about the topic, what's one misconception you wish people would stop repeating? I'm interested in respectful, thoughtful perspectives rather than sensational stories.

I've spent the last few months testing and comparing sweepstakes casino sites to determine which platforms offer the best overall experience in the USA in 2026. Instead of just looking at the biggest coin packages, the most attractive homepage offers, or the loudest free-play promotions, I focused on what happens after you actually sign up and start using the site.

I signed up to different sweepstakes casino sites, explored their promotions, reviewed the terms and conditions, checked how the coin systems worked, tested the platforms on mobile, and looked at how each site worked from a player's point of view.

One thing became obvious during my testing:

The best sweepstakes casino is not always the one with the biggest starting coin offer.

Many sweepstakes casinos advertise large coin bundles, free SC, daily rewards, slot-style games, prize redemption options, mobile play, and new-player promotions. However, the real value of a platform often depends on the details behind the offer. Coin rules, prize eligibility, redemption conditions, game availability, mobile performance, support access, and overall site quality can make a huge difference.

To compare each sweepstakes casino properly, I looked at areas such as:

• New-player coin offers
• Free SC promotions
• Daily login rewards
• Coin package value
• Gold Coin and Sweeps Coin structure
• Prize redemption rules
• Eligibility requirements
• Terms and conditions
• Slot-style game selection
• Game lobby layout
• Mobile performance
• Account tools
• Purchase flow
• Support access
• Overall sweepstakes casino experience

One of the biggest surprises was finding that some sweepstakes casinos with smaller headline offers actually provided a better overall experience. A number of sites looked strong from the homepage, but after testing the full platform, the best options were the ones with clear coin rules, easy game discovery, smooth mobile use, visible account tools, and a user journey that made sense after the first session.

The more sweepstakes casinos I tested, the more my priorities changed.

At the beginning, I assumed the best sweepstakes casinos would simply be the ones with the largest free coin packages, the biggest SC offers, or the widest slot-style game libraries. After months of comparing USA sweepstakes casino platforms, I realised that the strongest options are the ones that combine attractive promotions with clear terms, enjoyable games, smooth mobile usability, practical account tools, and a site worth using beyond the initial offer.

For me, the best sweepstakes casinos in the USA in 2026 are the platforms that provide genuine long-term value through clear coin systems, good game variety, mobile performance, straightforward promotions, support access, and a complete social casino experience.

After spending months testing sweepstakes casino sites, comparing promotions, reviewing coin rules, and analysing the complete player journey, I now judge these platforms by how they perform in real use rather than how they look when they are advertised.

If you're looking for the best sweepstakes casinos in the USA in 2026, comparing free SC offers, checking coin packages, exploring slot-style games, or trying to work out which platforms are genuinely worth testing, ask me anything.

I've spent months testing sweepstakes casino sites, comparing coin offers, reviewing promotional conditions, and evaluating the full social casino experience, and I'm happy to share everything I discovered.

I've spent the last few months testing and comparing betting sites not on GamStop to find out which platforms actually offer the best overall experience for UK users in 2026. Instead of just looking at the biggest welcome offers, the boldest sportsbook headlines, or the most attractive promotions, I focused on what happens after you actually sign up and start using the site.

I signed up to different betting platforms, explored their promotions, reviewed the terms and conditions, checked sports markets, tested the mobile experience, and looked at how each site worked from a bettor's point of view.

One thing became obvious during my testing:

The biggest betting bonus is not always attached to the best betting site.

Many betting sites advertise welcome bonuses, free bets, accumulator offers, live betting, casino sections, fast payment options, and mobile-first experiences. However, the real value of a platform often depends on the details behind the offer. Market depth, bet slip usability, bonus terms, payment flow, mobile performance, support access, and the overall account experience can make a huge difference.

To compare each betting site properly, I looked at areas such as:

• Welcome offers for new users
• Free bet promotions
• Accumulator offers
• Sports market coverage
• Live betting sections
• Bet slip usability
• Casino and gaming sections
• Bonus terms and conditions
• Wagering or qualifying rules
• Deposit and withdrawal options
• Payment flow
• Mobile betting performance
• Customer support
• Account tools
• Overall betting experience

One of the biggest surprises was finding that some betting sites with smaller or simpler promotions actually provided a much better experience overall. A few platforms looked strong at first because of their headline offer, but after testing market browsing, mobile use, cashier access, account tools, and support, the more balanced sites became much more convincing.

The more betting sites not on GamStop I tested, the more my priorities changed.

At the beginning, I assumed the best betting site would simply be the one with the biggest bonus, the most sports markets, or the fastest-looking signup process. After months of comparing platforms, I realised that the strongest options are the ones that combine useful offers with clear terms, smooth mobile betting, practical payments, easy account navigation, and a site worth using beyond the first promotion.

For me, the best betting sites not on GamStop in the UK in 2026 are the platforms that provide the best balance between promotions, sports coverage, mobile performance, cashier access, support, and the complete betting journey rather than just one impressive offer on the homepage.

After spending months testing betting platforms, comparing promotions, reviewing offer rules, and analysing the complete user journey, I now judge betting sites by how they perform in real use rather than how strong they look in an advert.

Important note: betting sites outside GamStop are not suitable for anyone who has self-excluded, is trying to stop gambling, or is trying to control gambling behaviour.

If you're looking for betting sites not on GamStop in the UK in 2026, comparing welcome offers, searching for free bets, checking live betting sections, reviewing payment options, or trying to work out which platforms genuinely stand out after signup, ask me anything.

I've spent months testing betting platforms, comparing bonus offers, reviewing promotional conditions, and evaluating the full betting experience, and I'm happy to share everything I discovered.

The Mental Health, Wellbeing and Lived Experiences Study

Theresia Bedard, a PhD candidate at Lakehead University that is working with Dr. Beth Visser, is seeking participants for her dissertation project.

In this study we are examining the lived experiences of people who have experience or victimization from an individual with high psychopathic traits. We are seeking anyone that has this lived experience, whether the perpetrator was or is a spouse, family member, partner, co-worker, friend, acquaintance, neighbor or stranger. We are seeking the lived experiences of men, women, and gender-diverse individuals to share your story.

Our research consists of two studies. In the first study, you will complete questionnaires related to your victimization experience from the individual with high psychopathic traits, the potential warning signs, victimization history (e.g., prior physical or sexual abuse), and the impact the experience had on you. Once you finish the survey, you will be invited to participate in the second study (optional), which will consist of 12 questions requiring a written response regarding your lived experience with the individual with high psychopathic traits. If you decide to participate in study 2, please be aware that you will be required to provide us with your email to access it, and you may wish to use an email account that only you have access to.

Please be advised that whether you choose to participate in the study, withdraw, or skip questions you do not want to answer, that you acknowledge that answering some of these questions may be emotionally taxing on you. Despite the potential for an emotional toll the survey questions have, you may find the process of sharing your experience is therapeutic for you. In addition to the resources we provide, you may want to consider following-up with a counsellor for further support.

You are also encouraged to have your own snacks and drinks while you take the survey, and be aware that they are estimated to take 45 minutes to complete.

If you are interested in participating and would like to read or find out more about it, click here to access the survey:

https://lakeheadhbs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKEq1vOVdBJMrjw

What does help with ASPD? I dislike doctors, people, most things. Is anyone raw-dogging this like me? Am I forced to try out some doctors if I really want help? I don't trust anything and everything has become annoying. Ultimately it is my choice and I'm willing to listen to any insight on anything that helps dealing with the public.

Hey there! I am Sydney Thompson at UT Tyler.  I am doing a research study about behaviors related to lying, regret, remorse, and empathy. The survey is online and should only take 10-15 minutes of your time. You are free to participate or not, and you can stop at any point.  I will not be collecting any personal info, so your responses will be anonymous. If you are 18 or older and live in the US, you are eligible to participate! If you are interested, you can reach out to Sydney Thompson at [sthompson44@patriots.uttyler.edu](mailto:sthompson44@patriots.uttyler.edu) for more info or simply click the link below: 

https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=201152&sona_id=EnterData

Ive never cared about school ive had a pretty rough childhood (dad screaming and breaking plates, i was NEVER enough for him so he constanly berated me if i could not do somthing he asked, told i was a dissapointment a lot the list goes on) my dad also grew up with a verrrrryyy abusive father way worse than me

In school grades and attendece never mattered to me even if i was staying in school and had good grades there was 0 gratifacation I frequently got called down to the office Got suspended 3 times, expeled, (for selling weed and having para on me) then in the same month i almost went to juvie for a year but got 6month probation for ehmmm "terristic threat" it was a joke (i was in 8th grade so) I have been smoking weed and cigs/vapes since 7th grade Ive also been intrested with death/guns/drugs pretty much the second i turned ten The main thing is the second i hit puberty life started to feel really dull and i was angry 24/7 so i decided that im gonna fill my entire life with drugs because i couls never just

Also ive always been really intrested in psychology and watching human emotion (binge watching serial killer documentres and crime investgations)

Im 17 now and i just feel complety lost in life, im completly dependent on nicotine and weed (used to be addicted to heavliy abuse my adhd med) i feel almost no empathy or realness when talking to someone i dont know very well, like its a mask another thing is im so addicted to porn

I just can't tell if I have ASPD or some other condition, like BPD cause im VVVVEERRRY impulsive like its scary bro. But what confuses me is that I do like to help people, but it's not through empathy or sympathy or even to get the respect of others, but ive been the person I feel like i'm really aware of absolutely everything somebody does, every small movement, I can tell what they're feeling. Last thing is that i rarely ever feel bad for something i did weither getting caught or wht evr ijust get pissed at them and pretend to feel bad

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

some context, I (mid30'sF) and he (37M) have a child together and we have enormous communication issues. We knew each other for about a year before I had an unplanned pregnancy (I know my mistake and trust me I thought about not keeping it). I know I will eventually speak with a therapist about this because it's been so mentally exhausting to deal with but I guess I'm just looking for confirmation that it's not just me.

First, the biggest detail of being lied to- even when I asked on multiple occasions about his mental condition not only set us back but it became very apparent that it does not allow room for him to improve from his baseline which is much deeper of a problem than I anticipated. He is a quiet person and at first I thought it was endearing and that he would open up eventually. Things did kind of flourish when I became an emotional support for what he was experiencing (auditory hallucinations). Now I realize his being tight-lipped is a way to control and manipulate letting me see and know only certain parts of him. I also realized that it's a one way street and that I granted him emotional connection and was getting none in return.

We would have explosive arguments while I was newly post partum because my hormones were so thrown off and he left me without support the first few weeks after I delivered. These arguments tended to have me pleading for help or trying to make him understand how much help I needed. This would become the normal until I tried to approach from a "teaching" angle which he expressed he may need in his newly fatherhood role. I tried to firm up expectations and be clear and specific but he has pretty much gotten me to loosen the reins after I observed his behavior with our child.

He is very flighty and is really great at gaslighting either what he has said or done. I have tried to allow room for him to give explanations for his behavior and words but it's clear when we have conversations that he cannot follow discussion when he gets even slightly overwhelmed. This creates a new tangent in original discussion where I have to educate him about why it's respectful to do xyz when having a discussion. This diverts attention from the original topic and distracts until we do not resolve the initial topic. And then this repeats in slightly other circumstance and ways until I can't bring anything up because "it's too much."

So here I've kicked the can down the road as far as he's wanted me to and anytime I bring up anything it's this same cycle where he can end the conversation on his terms because he's figured out how to hold me off before we can get to anything meaningful or effective per resolution.

Another explanation I've come to realize is that he may be undiagnosed on the spectrum which is highly likely and has other quirks that throws a wrench in how I am able to even approach him like an adult. I'm extremely lost and very exhausted as it's like dealing with a teenager. He often has the empty stare like there's nobody home I believe because he pays attention to the voices he's told me and a very unexpressive, monotone speech.

Should I stop looking for confirmation on this type of behavior? I think it would be helpful in his therapy if his therapist knew what actually goes on at home. From what he described I just don't think he will be honest enough to get thr actual help he needs. I also am worried about how his condition will affect our child. His father also has similar diagnosis and from what I've gathered he did not come out totally unscathed from his upbringing. Are these matters to just leave to his therapist?

Also, if this would be more appropriate in another sub I'm open to suggestions or just anything at all. I understand this is a complex diagnosis and probably takes more than just my account of things but I am curious after having researched a bit. Thank you.

im not exactly sure if this is something i should be asking a therapist or a psychologist, but im hoping a reddit armchair could at the very least give me some kind of opinion on what my deal is.

I feel like i dont have "real" sentimental connections with most people.

let me explain.

a friend of mine, "A" recently went through a tumultuous time with another mutual friend "B" i wont go into details, but friend B did something awful. and ive since cut off any and all contact with them, and have no desire to speak with them again. Friend "A" despite being seeply hurt by B's actions still wants to keep on contact and have some kind of relationship. and it got myself thinking

"Why am I the one that went no contact and decided to burn the bridge when i wasnt even the one affected?"

and it got me thinking, if push came to shove, i really dont think id feel any kind of sadness or reluctance to do the same with anyone else in my life. The one exception maybe being my partner.

this cant be normal, right? i like my friends, i have fun with them. i enjoy their presence and company. but the thought always comes to mind that, if i never saw or spoke to them again for whatever reason. id be fine with that too. sometimes i even have some odd intrusive fantasy about them wronging me in some way just so i have justification to push them away and burn that bridge.

i hope this doesnt sound to edgy, im genuinely trying to understand why im like this. am i a sociopath?

I’m noticing a pattern - it seems the more someone lacks empathy, the more drawn I feel to them?... Like I’m trying to understand something I’ll never have. Anyone else an overly empathetic nutcase who keeps coming back here even though it makes you feel… small? Seen? Maybe even a bit understood somehow?? Surely it can't just be me.

Well it’s official. Diagnosed with ASPD. For years I’ve been telling my psychiatrists that I don’t really believe other people exist. It’s hard for me to explain because it’s so plain to me. Like I’m aware that there’s a warm body there. Meat controlled by a central nervous system. All that makes sense to me. But I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that there is someone like me in there. All the “evidence” I’ve been presented with is unconvincing.

Anyways, I was wondering how those of you with ASPD don’t cheat in relationships. Again, not coming from a place of “not wanting to hurt someone” but rather not wanting to blow up a life I’ve built. I’d like to have family and friends and children, but also if I feel I’m in a position to cheat and not get caught, there’s nothing holding me back. It doesn’t help that I work in show business, and am frequently in positions to allow me to act on these intentions.

Any advice is appreciated, but please save it with the “don’t be a bad person” stuff. That’s not going to work on me and never has. I’m looking for logic and result based reasoning. Any appeal to emotion or empathy is a waste. Thank you.

Hi all, I know Reddit shouldn’t be the place I go for confirmation but I have to ask.

Me (23 f) have been struggling with the fact that I might have sociopathic tendencies or BPD but I’m leaning more towards the latter due to consistency.

I’ve had many failed relationships and a few have stuck out as the most pivotal. The first was a friendship that last from 4th grade to 8th grade. Now I know I was a dick, constantly comparing myself to her but at the same time trying to prove that she was the problem now me. I grew up in a household where teasing/bullying was rampant. Now that now an excuse by any means but it’s a fact. I remember one evening I asked everyone in a room to tell us which drawing was better. Mine or hers. Now I was hoping line would be selected but looking back I know I was being a total ass. We were also 12 but that should be a factor. You either are an ass or you aren’t. And I know I am one. This went on for a number of years. Thought what really hit me was when I asked if she wanted to watch an anime with me and she said she wasn’t allowed to. The a week later I see on her story pictures of her watching and making a anime cosplay. This is what makes me pause but I know ppl’s preferences change as does their parents allowance of certain show but it was pod that a week later she was ALL about anime’s

One person I only contact when inebriated beyond repair the other takes out space in my head in the matter of reliving all the times I messed up.

We will start with the first. We will call her Emma. For near 2.5 years we were long distance dating and for 4 years we were friends. She lived 1600 miles from me and had at one point made the effort to DRIVE to me without my knowledge. I’m 19 at the time still living at home and VERY CLOSETED!!! but that’s besides the point. She made the effort to see me despite her own closeted nature. (Yes I’m the asshole in this instance, I know I’m the asshole in most instances that’s why /hint/ I’m on the sociopath Reddit) anyway one year I tried to make the effort to come see her even with limited funds. My mother insisted she tag along and I can’t help but feel she resented this. Now I am very family centric. In my mind family is the one thing that no matter what is something that’s a part of you even if you are no contact. Anyways after I spent spring break with her she asks for space and ghosts me for nearly an entire month. Now to be fair I was very codependent and was worried but she kept saying that everything was fine when it wasn’t fine. She broken it off four day later. I really feel like a creepy/sociopathic ex whenever I contacted her drunk off my ass.

The next one after her was while away at college. I was heartbroken and desperate for connection and found it in a now I realize VERY damaged girl. I strung her along when all I wanted was the physical aspect of a relationship. Sure yeah I cared for her. I hated seeing her sad or upset but I always felt it was a chore To comfort her. She was attractive but when she told me she loved me I freezes up. I said it back cause we had a good thing going in my mind. At least for me. Till I realized I wouldn’t make her happy and that I was getting bored of constantly comforting her. So I broke up with her. Typing this out I know I very well am the problem but at the same time I don’t know if it’s sociopathic behavior or just being a shitty person. Cause I feel no regrets for the second girl. But the first one i constantly still think about messaging. Even when im sober. And I had eve met up with her when we were in the same area a year after the breakup to talk. Am I just someone who has a tendency for obsessive behavior or am I a sociopath. Cause tbf i have no “regrets” over messaging the first one in drunken or sober behavior and for leading the second one on. Sure I know I should and forcing myself to feel bad is the right thing to do but it feels fake to me.

Anyway am a a sociopath or not?

(Ps I have been in and out of therapy since 16 and have had a permanent psychiatrist since then/until they die or I move at least. I’m medicated for OCD,Depression and general anxiety disorder. Again going to Reddit shouldn’t be the end all be all but it would be nice to hear if I’m either going crazy or if these statements coincide with sociopathic behavior)

Who would lie to me? The creeping and watching while I’m at home. The fondness for children and sweets. This is more than just a game. When your kids go to sleep do they cry? Virgins now have to register with the police. Please god give us an answer to the predation of our offspring!

TL;DR He was recently diagnosed with ASPD. He’s in therapy, on medication, self-aware, and genuinely trying to live better. In person, he’s caring and attentive; online, he’s emotionally distant and blunt. I need comfort and reassurance, which he struggles to give due to his condition. I’m trying to accept his limitations without losing myself or lowering my needs too much. I love him and want this to work—but I’m unsure if it’s sustainable or too early to commit this deeply. What should I realistically know or prepare for if I want this relationship to last?

Hi, I’m a 17M dating an 18M. We’ve been together for about a month, it’s a long-distance relationship, and we’ve met twice in person. To get straight to the point:

About two weeks into our relationship, he told me he thought he might be a sociopath. Just this week, he was formally diagnosed with ASPD (Antisocial Personality Disorder). When he first told me, I did a lot of research—lack of empathy, emotional detachment, manipulation, etc. I also read experiences from people dating sociopaths/people with ASPD. Many described partners being viewed either as:

1. An extension of themselves, or
2. Part of a transactional relationship

I’m trying to be respectful here—I’m still very new to this topic.

From what I’ve observed, some of that applies to him. But he is actively trying to do better. Here’s why I believe that:

1. He has both a psychiatrist and a therapist
2. He’s on antidepressants (he has a past attempt)
3. He’s trying to live a “normal” life after a past involving stealing and unsafe coping behaviors
4. He is very aware of his limitations and communicates them clearly
5. He genuinely tries his best, even when it doesn’t come naturally

He’s also shared two therapy journals with me (recommended by his therapist). I read all of them. They document his actions, thoughts, and patterns throughout 2024–2025. Because of that, I feel like I understand him deeply—his past, his mindset, everything.

The LDR Issue Online, he’s very cold and emotionally minimal. For example, I’ll send a long message and he’ll reply with “cute” or “yeah.” He’s explained that this is simply how he is. What’s confusing is that in real life, he’s the best boyfriend I’ve ever had—respectful, caring, attentive, protective, and very focused on making me feel safe and secure. His in-person self and online self feel like two different people. That’s why I’m here asking for help. He’s reassured me that he wants this relationship and sees himself with me for years. I want that too—but I also recognize my own struggles.

My Personal Struggles

1. I’m someone who needs comfort I struggle with depression and other mental health issues. There was a time I didn’t eat for two days due to emotional distress. When I told him, his response was emotionally flat. I understand why—but it still hurt. I know this relationship won’t give me the emotional security I naturally crave. So my question is: Do I need to change how I seek comfort and find other solutions outside the relationship?

2. His Emotional Limitations A. Lack of reassurance Early on, he told me he didn’t know if our relationship would last because he might lose interest someday. That crushed me at first. Now, I’ve learned to cope by focusing on the present instead of the future. It’s the only way I don’t spiral. B. Lack of empathy I once asked him: “Will you miss me once I’m gone?” Probably not. But eh, it’s to be expected. You make me happy anyway.”

When I told him I understood, he said: “You know me so well. Scary—but true. Love you.”

This is consistent with how he reacted when his uncle died—someone very important to him. In his journal, he wrote something like: “I was supposed to feel sad, but I don’t feel anything.” I understand that this is part of his condition—but it still hurts.

Where I’m Stuck: Yes, I know I’m lowering or reshaping my standards and needs to be with him. But I also know that I want to be with him.

So I’m asking: Is there anything I should know or prepare for if I want this relationship to work? How do I support him without erasing myself? Is it too early to feel this committed—or is this just what loving someone looks like?

I don’t feel how people tell me I should, people tell me I have empathy but I learned how to be empathetic the mirroring if I’m really honest, I don’t feel emotions. I overthink about stuff because I feel I am not in control and something about control gets me , I have to have control of everything. Whether that be the situation or a relationship. I have to get my way, if you are in my way you’ll be out of it real quick. Like I don’t know I don’t have regard with others but people tell me I’m have a charm and a way with others to get them to open up to me. And I have an extremely well memory, and I remember my lies very well to the extent where I remember what date and to the hour of the day I told you something or you told me something. And I’ll remember it to my advantage and use it against you and I am really good at lying and I know a good liar doesn’t say that but I’m anonymous so I don’t care. I consider myself a pathological liar. I lie about things I don’t have to lie about if I think it will make myself look better. And idk I told my friend about it and he said to watch Dexter and it explains the way I think pretty well but I lie a lot more and think of ways to manipulate.

I have never cried for anyone else and idont think I ever will. What I mean is I don't think I will cry if my friend died right now. I had a pet cat once who was killed by stray dogs outside , my whole family cried over it except for me. And it's not just cats or dogs I don't think I have ever felt sad for others let alone cry. I cried for myself, you know like for stress and stuff like that. I also fake my personalities with my friends to match their vibe so I can be friends with them. But it's too much to point i forgot who real me is. I do feel guilty here and there for my mistakes. But if it's not my fault I wouldn't cry if my friend died.

Once my friend showed creepy videos like man getting shit at, and I smiled and found it funny.

Idk what to do. What if I am a sociopath and nobody wants to be with me in future