Aftermath Radio Episode 2: Dr. Robert Schug introduces Psychopathy: Fact or Fiction, addressing what the term “psychopath” means. He also talks with Dr. Liane Leedom about issues that arise when people try to break up with someone with psychopathic traits.
Click here to stream the episode.
Are you romantically involved with someone you think may be psychopathic? In this segment we discuss how to break up. Often it is not as simple as “drop off the key Lee and get yourself free” as a popular song states.
When breaking up with a psychopathic partner there are many things to consider regarding your partner, yourself and your situation.
In regard to your partner, look at his or her past behavior. Is there a history of violence or stalking? Any psychologist will tell you that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. You also need to ask yourself how dependent the psychopathic person is on you. The more dependent, the more he/she will fight to keep you.
Most importantly you need to consider yourself. Many people are ambivalent about these relationships, meaning they love the psychopath but know they have to let go. It is very important that you know beforehand how ambivalent you are. The worst thing to do is to break up and then go back. Breaking up and reconciling will only strengthen the psychopathic partner’s hold on you.
Lastly, consider your situation and realize that your soon to be former partner may try to get even with you by further harming you financially and socially.
Click here to listen to Dr. Leedom discuss how to break up with psychopathic individuals.
Don’t forget to visit the forum to discuss your situation with others who have been there.