Number 3: Sociopaths are more likely to be involved in crime and the justice system.
Based on the fact that sociopaths have little regard for the well-being of themselves, others, or morality, it’s probably not shocking that they also don’t care about laws and regulations either. As a result, it’s very common for sociopaths to have a history of criminality in adulthood, and often display signs of disorderly conduct throughout their childhood and teenage years.
Along with this, sociopaths struggle with planning and seeing the long-term consequences of their actions. They may impulsively do something illegal without considering that they might be arrested and charged, staining their criminal record permanently.
In contrast, those with narcissistic personality disorder value their reputation, self-importance, and perceived success so high that they often avoid engaging in criminal activities solely to avoid being labeled a criminal.
Of course, narcissists still can be impulsive, and oftentimes, they’ll view themselves as higher than the law, engaging in a crime while fully believing they’re justified and in the right, only to be surprised later when they’re arrested. On average, though, sociopaths are much more likely to have a history of criminality than narcissists.
Number 2: Narcissists are normally more successful in their careers and finances.
With sociopaths’ chaotic, impulsive, and often criminal personalities, it makes sense that they struggle to hold down a job or manage their finances. Even though narcissists can let their egos and callous attitudes be a detriment to their careers, their cutthroat demeanor can often be advantageous in certain roles, such as a corporate executive. As a result, on average, narcissists are known to be more financially successful than sociopaths.
Number 1: Sociopaths typically do not feel envy nor do they require excessive admiration or validation from others.
Unlike narcissists who require a constant supply of admiration and validation as if it was their oxygen, sociopaths don’t have the same needs. Sure, if someone insults a sociopath, they might react with aggression, but their perceived self-worth and self-importance will not be shaken up. They’ll react and move on with their ego completely intact.
In contrast, criticism against a narcissist will haunt them for the rest of their days unless they’re able to prop up enough defense mechanisms and find enough external admiration and validation to convince themselves the criticism was unjustified.
Narcissists are envious people who will grow jealous when others have better lives or more prestige than them, but sociopaths don’t care about their social status. As you can see, both of these cluster B personality disorders have many similarities but are still distinct types of people.
Read More: Empaths vs Narcissists – Spot the Differences Early On.
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