Welcome to the new guy, when I got the notification I realised I had forgotten I joined this group, and it saddens me that it is so quiet, because I think each and every one of us here know that an encounter with a sociopath - however brief - can have a lasting and devastating impact on our lives.
It's been four years since I finally managed to free myself from the insane grip of a relationship that nearly destroyed me, and one of the most important discoveries I made (while googling the subject of sociopathic abuse) was this concept of "No Contact", (which includes any kind of contact, including 'peeping' at the sociopath's Facebook page, or any online profiles). Establishing a "No Contact" rule is the first step towards recovery, and I found a load of useful information on a website called psychopathfree.com. (I was a member there for a while, but I left as I had certain issues with the way it was run, and aspects of the philosophy of the group). You don't have to be a member to read the posts, and if any of you need advice or guidance there is a lot of good information to be had there. (You can find many quotes from Peace's book here: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/24806323-psychopath-free-recovering-from-emotionally-abusive-relationships-with )
My experience with the sociopath still haunts me, as much as I try to avoid thinking about it. I have wasted so much time 'wishing' I could turn back the clock and undo the damage I allowed that man to wreak on me and those who are closest to me. I'm not blaming myself.... but at some point one has to take responsibility for why we were vulnerable to sociopathic abuse in the first place. Often, (as you will discover from reading other people's stories), this was not our first encounter with this type of abuse, and many 'survivors' share stories of a narcissistic / sociopathic parent or sibling, so falling in love with a sociopath as an adult can often be an opportunity to re-visit - and ultimately heal - some old wounds.
Anyhow, if anyone here wants to share their own experience perhaps we could get something going here. I'm listening :) If your wounds are still fresh I can offer some encouragement... this is the beginning of a journey for you that will ultimately result in your becoming a stronger, wiser, more loving human being... one who is truly there for themselves. Take care of yourself while you ride the rollercoaster of emotions, and know that things will eventually get better.
Hugs to all....
Mark
It's been four years since I finally managed to free myself from the insane grip of a relationship that nearly destroyed me, and one of the most important discoveries I made (while googling the subject of sociopathic abuse) was this concept of "No Contact", (which includes any kind of contact, including 'peeping' at the sociopath's Facebook page, or any online profiles). Establishing a "No Contact" rule is the first step towards recovery, and I found a load of useful information on a website called psychopathfree.com. (I was a member there for a while, but I left as I had certain issues with the way it was run, and aspects of the philosophy of the group). You don't have to be a member to read the posts, and if any of you need advice or guidance there is a lot of good information to be had there. (You can find many quotes from Peace's book here: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/24806323-psychopath-free-recovering-from-emotionally-abusive-relationships-with )
My experience with the sociopath still haunts me, as much as I try to avoid thinking about it. I have wasted so much time 'wishing' I could turn back the clock and undo the damage I allowed that man to wreak on me and those who are closest to me. I'm not blaming myself.... but at some point one has to take responsibility for why we were vulnerable to sociopathic abuse in the first place. Often, (as you will discover from reading other people's stories), this was not our first encounter with this type of abuse, and many 'survivors' share stories of a narcissistic / sociopathic parent or sibling, so falling in love with a sociopath as an adult can often be an opportunity to re-visit - and ultimately heal - some old wounds.
Anyhow, if anyone here wants to share their own experience perhaps we could get something going here. I'm listening :) If your wounds are still fresh I can offer some encouragement... this is the beginning of a journey for you that will ultimately result in your becoming a stronger, wiser, more loving human being... one who is truly there for themselves. Take care of yourself while you ride the rollercoaster of emotions, and know that things will eventually get better.
Hugs to all....
Mark
Join the Conversation