Antisocial (psychopathic)

Rules are made for sheep.

This style sees the world largely in terms of strong and weak. Control, winning and advantage feel safe, while dependence and tenderness feel risky, and rules can look like obstacles meant for other people. Many people agree with some of these statements out of ordinary competitiveness. A match with this description says nothing about criminality.

These are patterns often described for this style in general. They are not statements about you.

Characteristic feelings

Anger, envy and boredom. Fear and shame are kept out of view.

Inner conflict

Needing no one versus needing people after all.

Core fear

Being weak, exposed, or controlled by someone else.

Ways of coping

Staying in control at all times (omnipotent control). Acting instead of feeling (acting out).

Sources of self-esteem

Strength, winning, and not being fooled.

How others often experience it

Often come across as charming and confident. Others may feel uneasy or outmaneuvered, and later on, used.

Strengths

Composure under pressure, decisiveness, and willingness to take a risk.

Where it gets in the way

Trust and give-and-take are hard. People can be treated as means to an end. Remorse does not come easily.

Work that often feels comfortable

Often drawn to high-stakes, competitive settings: negotiation, sales, risky ventures, crisis work.

What can happen under prolonged stress

Under prolonged stress: reckless risk-taking, trouble with rules and the law, and burned bridges.

In relationships

Often choose partners who are trusting or accommodating. Relationships last only where there is real give-and-take.

Fictional characters with similar traits

Tywin Lannister, Hannibal Lecter, Tyler Durden.