My Blogging Rules - by Hénock Gugsa

My Blogging Rules
---------
Hénock Gugsa   These are mostly common sense !

1 - Pick your friends well. The fewer friends, the better.
But they don't have to be identical (same affiliations).
Variety enriches.

2 - Do not adopt the manners of your conversants unless
they are decent and civil.

3 - Avoid or minimize the 1st person singular. The passive
voice is usually more persuasive and less threatening.

4 - Always seek and find the humor in things. It enlightens,
it enlivens, and it can dispel rage. But, be aware of
the danger of trivializing through too much sarcasm or
cynicism.

5 - Good manners engender respect, and appreciation.
As the saying goes: You reap what you sow!

6 - Be prepared and think thoroughly about your statements.
Unless you are ready to back them up, they are better
left unsaid.

7 - If you have nothing to say, that is fine. That
is a statement in itself. Self-restraint is a virtue.

8 - Should anyone misconstrue what you say and take
offense, apologize to them and explain that that was
not your intention. Always take the high road, and
appologize even if you may look like a wimp. You
won't gain anything with verbal brawn except a reputation...
that of a boorish bully.

9 - Never brag about your intelligence or utter anything about
others' level of ignorance even if it is obvious. You may
state that the person you are conversing with is "mistaken"
or "incorrect" but not "idiotic" or worse, "a moron" or "a liar".
Debates are never won that way.

10 - No matter how old or smart you are, life has always something to
teach you.

"How To Spot A Sociopath" - by Robert Matthews

  "How To Spot A Sociopath"
-----------------
by Robert Matthews

(Extracted from an article by Robert Matthews in the Sunday Telegraph Review, May 4th 1997) 
 
While such personality disorders as psychopathy, paranoia and obsession/compulsion all have strictly defined criteria, psychiatrists are still struggling to decide precisely what constitutes a socialized psychopath.

One of the more obvious characteristics of socialized psychopaths is that they give the impression of talking "at" you. Prof Jeremy Coid describes it as like being regarded as a cardboard cut-out. "Even in a sexual relationship with them, you are still just an object for their personal gratification," he says.
_______________

The following questionnaire is based on research and experiences of socialized psychopaths. For each trait, decide if it applies to the person you suspect may be a socialized psychopath, fully (2 points), partially (1 point) or not at all (0 points).

1.- Do they have problems sustaining stable relationships, personally and in business?

2.- Do they frequently manipulate others to achieve selfish goals, with no consideration of the effects on those manipulated?

3.- Are they cavalier about the truth, and capable of telling lies to your face?

4.- Do they have an air of self-importance, regardless of their true standing in society?

5.- Have they no apparent sense of remorse, shame or guilt?

6.- Is their charm superficial, and capable of being switched on to suit immediate ends?

7.- Are they easily bored and demand constant stimulation?

8.- Are their displays of human emotion unconvincing?

9.- Do they enjoy taking risks, and acting on reckless impulse?

10.- Are they quick to blame others for their mistakes?

11.- As teenagers, did they resent authority, play truant and/or steal?

12.- Do they have no qualms about sponging off others?

13.- Are they quick to lose their temper?

14.- Are they sexually promiscuous?

15.- Do they have a belligerent, bullying manner?

16.- Are they unrealistic about their long-term aims?

17.- Do they lack any ability to empathize with others?

18.- Would you regard them as essentially irresponsible?

A score of 25 or above suggests strong psychopathic tendencies. This does not mean the person is a potential mass-murderer: socialized psychopaths are not mad, nor do they have to resort to violence. Even so, a close professional or emotional relationship with a socialized psychopath is likely to prove a damaging experience