Staying Safe Among Snakes
One of the things I learned back in college which has helped to keep me safe among snakes for decades now is that sociopaths will pressure you into doing something you are uncomfortable with as a prelude to abuse. It will frequently be something which seems small or which another person might do without thinking, but it will be something that you have some unease about. Once you have done one thing you are uncomfortable with, the sociopath knows that it will be easier to pressure you into something else and something else and pretty quickly you can wind up in an unsafe, insecure position where they can strike with relative ease while you’re still trying to catch up on what’s happening.
The solution to this is simple: whenever you feel like someone is pressuring you to do something you don’t want to do – even something small and harmless – pay attention and proceed with caution. Simply say no and if you need to, walk away from the situation. Ask for help. Be prepared to create a scene even if the other person is going to act like you’re crazy. Someone who pressures you into doing something you are not 100% on-board with may well be a sociopath making his first move. Stand your ground and stay safe.