Sociopathy: A Dangerous Comfort.

Comfort is a curious word. When I think of something comfortable I think of a large puffy eiderdown, into which I may burrow or purrhaps even sink, like a large ladleful of cat gravy atop a heaping pile of thick, creamy mash. It's something warm and inviting, something pleasant and, well, comfortable. However, comfort isn't always a good thing. In fact, it can be very destructive.

I once read the story of a local man who was beaten to death trying to protect a pregnant woman from her abusive spouse. What made this article memorable was that the husband hadn't done the killing, the woman had. It was an unusual scenario that left me with one lingering question: Why? Why would a woman who'd been trapped in an abusive relationship for more than a year dig through the boot of her car, pull out a tyre iron and bash a man to death for coming to her aid? The answer is a simple one: Comfort.

Sociopaths are notorious liars, able to convince even the most stable-minded individual that she is unlovable, unworthy, and alone. Once the victim's sense of self has been undermined, the sociopath will do as he pleases with little fear of abandonment. Sociopaths can be male or female and can exist in any race, culture, or creed. Because victims of sociopathic abuse are convinced that they're unlovable, they're grateful to have someone—anyone—who's willing to accept them. No matter how abusive the relationship, it becomes familiar and comfortable.

This is a typical case of being content with the devil you know rather than taking a chance on the devil you don't. If a person is convinced that he or she can do no better than their present partner, the very thought of an alternative is terrifying. Sadly, most people who have fallen into this trap can see nothing wrong with their captors. They see only their purrsonal faults and shortcomings. This misguided purrception, along with a large measure of fear, fosters a fierce, though inappropriate, loyalty. This loyalty will lead victims to justify abusive behaviour, slave after, lie for, and even, at times, kill in defence of their abusers.

There's a biblical proverb which states he who in passing becomes furious over a stranger's quarrel is as foolish as one grabbing the ears of a vicious dog. Nevertheless, even if this well-meaning citizen had read this practical bit of wisdom, the shock of seeing someone bashing a pregnant woman would likely have removed it from his memory. That's a tragic reality. Unfortunately, however, such scenarios create a jaded society in which fear prohibits people from coming to the aid of one another in any way whatsoever. They not only avoid getting purrsonally involved, which is admittedly wise, but also avoid informing the proper authorities or even co-operating with civil and criminal investigations. In so doing, humans allow their society to be ruled by sociopaths, and that, in my opinion, is the true tragedy.

Yours Purringly,
W.C. Humphries II (Mr. Fleez for short.)


READERS REMEMBER! You may now ask Mr. Fleez for his jaded opinion* on your personal situations. Please send enquiries to: housecatwisdom@yahoo.co.uk.

*DISCLAIMER: By contacting Housecat Wisdom you're asking a housecat for his personal opinion. If you require serious advice, please, write Ann Landers, Dear Abby, or consult a professional psychiatrist.