stop flirting and tell me the truth
Sociopaths seem to be very adaptable and use information in interesting (understatement) ways yes.
Being more aware than most (not all) other folk, they tend to absorb things of use, and discard the dross that is not beneficial.
I dont know you're not one. You could be and probably are, a troll or a puppet .
It has it's ups and downs, pretty much everything does. I don't think you can cheat on 'guilt' if it's still inside you but then again, depends a lot on situation. To be able to logicaly explain your behaviour, acting, to learn to notice way more things going around than what meets the eye, sure. Destroying/hurting someone intentionaly and not give a crap about it, that's another thing.
As extreme opposites there are things to be learnt on both sides. The main difference is the focus on the inside I lean towards as an Empath and the focus on the outside Sociopaths lean towards. I found it liberating to free myself from my intense inner feeling World for a moment and look outside and expand my focus. Also to observe my reactions and not respond to them. I'm not sure I will ever be able to manipulate on the grand scale Sociopathic minds can? Or would I want to as there is something truly beautiful about letting the natural flow of life unfold. I would like to understand and master myself rather being constantly infulenced by outside and inner forces. I just have to look at another and I can feel their pain which I would never intentionally hurt another. Not saying I have never hurt another being as even with the purest intention one sometimes just can't get it right. I do empathize with the mask thing however in many ways aren't all of us products of our enviroment and striving to create the best existense by putting our best foot forward?
Its a tricky one though as opening my Empath heart to a Sociopath has lead me to some very dark places. One ex in particular almost devoured me. I'm a free spirit and there is a part to my character no one not even I can control. Sociopaths get frustrated with me. I'm a highly creative person and truth seeker. Also as soon as I recognised the game and challenged I'm presented with even more lies and deciet. Where is the line drawn in the sand? I think I must be an interesting target for a sociopath as I've had relationships with few. I find it almost impossible to read initially but I'm getting better at reading the signs. Thats not to say I don't have any sociopaths knowingly in my circle of friends just not sure an empath and a sociopath make the perfect partners but they do say opposites attract?
All food for thought and something to learn from.