My boyfriend was diagnosed with Anti Social Personality Disorder. Hes not exactly a sociopath but he exhibits sociopathic behavior. He is still capable of guilt and remorse, and while he has criminal compulsions, he is excellent at controlling his impulses. I know he feels complex emotions, even empathy for the people he cares for. But I also know he frequently puts on the facade of an empath in certain situations. And he does it frighteningly well. He insists he loves me and our shared girlfriend (we're polyamorous). She doubts his love too, only because she feels unworthy of his affections. She isn't worried about his ASPD at all. I am. I worry he isn't capable of love. Is it just another act to get what he wants from me? I feel...very unsafe when I sense he is manipulating me. He knows I'm his regardless so I dont see the point in claiming to love me if he doesn't. If he does, what does that word mean to him? It doesn't exempt us from his sadistic and selfish nature. However, hes implied his disregard for the safety and boundaries of others is usually reigned in for the those he loves. Is that it? We get slightly more humane treatment? If thats the case, what is the difference between loving someone versus highly valuing them and treating them well until they are no longer valuable? Is that what his love means?
I know he gets what he wants from people. I know that as someone he values, my feelings are taken more into account. I know his affections don't waver easily. I also know he is capable of dangerous things, toward everyone in his life. He hates that I don't fully trust. Apparently, his love for me should be evidence enough that I can trust him completely. I'm fine with relinquishing control of my life to him, but that isn't the same thing as unwavering trust. I think thats an unfair request. How can I trust him when I've seen how he can possess and wreck others? How can I trust he loves me when I'm not even sure what the word means to him?