http://www.lovefraud.com/05_areYouAtarget/con_artist_prey.html
I was reading this website and Michael and what happened to him came into my mind. The website is really about men who are sociopaths and financially abuse women, but I think that is clearly not the only context (nor it's only men...).
Describing a person who is a prey for sociopaths (almost all apply to Michael):
- Lonely
If you're feeling lonely for any reason—an empty love life, a deceased spouse, a solo vacation—you might as well paint a bull's eye on your forehead. As Dr. Robert Hare says, "The callous use of the lonely is a trademark of sociopaths." They stake out singles bars, read the obituaries and troll Internet personal ads looking for opportunities to cash in.
- Insecure
Are you a whiz at work, but lacking in social skills? Do you feel unattractive—perhaps a bit overweight? Is your self-esteem a little shaky? If you have any insecurity, any self-doubt, any feeling of inadequacy—and who doesn't—a sociopath will find it.
- Trusting
Maybe you're not street-smart, because you always stayed away from the street. Maybe you avoid politics, even office politics. If you generally accept what people tell you, if you're at all naïve about the motivations of others, you're an easy target for a sociopath. Do you believe people are basically good? You better learn that there are exceptions.
- Successful
Perhaps you're wealthy. Perhaps you simply have a good job, discretionary income and access to credit. From a sociopath's point of view, the more you have, the more there is to take. And the sociopath you run into may not be a common criminal. He may be your investment banker.
- Aspiring
What do you want—college tuition for your kids, a comfortable retirement, maybe just a little excitement? A sociopath can cook up a plausible plan to deliver it. Even a get-rich-quick scheme will seem legitimate. Just don't expect to see your dreams come true.
- Trustworthy
You're an honest, forthright person. You take your obligations seriously. You would never dream of taking advantage of someone—so when a sociopath takes advantage of you, you won't see it coming. If you play by the rules, know this: Sociopaths don't.
- Nurturing
"Sociopaths have an uncanny ability to spot and use 'nurturant' women—that is, those who have a powerful need to help or mother others," says Dr. Robert Hare. These women often work as nurses, counselors and social workers. They tend to look for the goodness in others and overlook faults. Is that you? Watch out.
- Committed
When you give your word, it's good as gold. You see yourself as a good wife or good husband, loyal to your spouse. You stay the course, even when it looks like you've made a mistake. A sociopath will understand, and keep bleeding you until there's nothing left.
I was reading this website and Michael and what happened to him came into my mind. The website is really about men who are sociopaths and financially abuse women, but I think that is clearly not the only context (nor it's only men...).
Describing a person who is a prey for sociopaths (almost all apply to Michael):
- Lonely
If you're feeling lonely for any reason—an empty love life, a deceased spouse, a solo vacation—you might as well paint a bull's eye on your forehead. As Dr. Robert Hare says, "The callous use of the lonely is a trademark of sociopaths." They stake out singles bars, read the obituaries and troll Internet personal ads looking for opportunities to cash in.
- Insecure
Are you a whiz at work, but lacking in social skills? Do you feel unattractive—perhaps a bit overweight? Is your self-esteem a little shaky? If you have any insecurity, any self-doubt, any feeling of inadequacy—and who doesn't—a sociopath will find it.
- Trusting
Maybe you're not street-smart, because you always stayed away from the street. Maybe you avoid politics, even office politics. If you generally accept what people tell you, if you're at all naïve about the motivations of others, you're an easy target for a sociopath. Do you believe people are basically good? You better learn that there are exceptions.
- Successful
Perhaps you're wealthy. Perhaps you simply have a good job, discretionary income and access to credit. From a sociopath's point of view, the more you have, the more there is to take. And the sociopath you run into may not be a common criminal. He may be your investment banker.
- Aspiring
What do you want—college tuition for your kids, a comfortable retirement, maybe just a little excitement? A sociopath can cook up a plausible plan to deliver it. Even a get-rich-quick scheme will seem legitimate. Just don't expect to see your dreams come true.
- Trustworthy
You're an honest, forthright person. You take your obligations seriously. You would never dream of taking advantage of someone—so when a sociopath takes advantage of you, you won't see it coming. If you play by the rules, know this: Sociopaths don't.
- Nurturing
"Sociopaths have an uncanny ability to spot and use 'nurturant' women—that is, those who have a powerful need to help or mother others," says Dr. Robert Hare. These women often work as nurses, counselors and social workers. They tend to look for the goodness in others and overlook faults. Is that you? Watch out.
- Committed
When you give your word, it's good as gold. You see yourself as a good wife or good husband, loyal to your spouse. You stay the course, even when it looks like you've made a mistake. A sociopath will understand, and keep bleeding you until there's nothing left.