Sociopath Community

"they are either unpredictable or clearly aggressive"

So  how do you act/respond in the face of unpredictability?

Some interesting responses. 

Ok, so say the person moves within what you define as your "personal" space and you become quickly aware that there is a probable chance of a physical altercation . Whats your next move/reaction?

1 : What are the some of the initial "tells" or signals , that warn you that you may actually be in danger ( and by danger I mean a threat to either your physical self OR your pride and self esteem).
What do you look for , what triggers it ?

Usually the giveaways are in the behavior, although as you've noted, some people are very good at concealing their intentions. Attitude can be gauged by choice of wording, body language, the rapport during a conversation and/or the length a person wants to be engaged in one. With enough signaling and contextual information, you can figure out what a person is up to.

2: What is your usual response to your initial warning ?

My response depends upon if the signals indicate that something consequential could happen to me. If the consequences are minor, I don't really care. If they are major, I will do what I can to remedy the problem.

3: and last but not least, what role does your ego play in your response ?

Little to none; I can't remember the last time my ego was affected negatively by anything. The only thing I can see it doing is not allowing myself to be made a fool of.

Own your space using body language.

And if the body language is conveniently ignored?

and altercation inevitable?

Verbally tell them to back off, or whatever. Be ready to get it on.

ok. And in that split second you have made the decision to "get it on" , now what do you do? offensive?..defensive?. What makes you decide?

It depends. If I'm on a dark street and I'm about to be mugged I'll be offensive. If I'm in a club and some drunk guy is talking shit, let them start it. I guess it comes down to, how serious is the threat and can I get away with it.

"The real risk is your own distractibility, slow senses, or not in advance knowing what to look for."

Yeah, medication, injury or  ignorance/naivety can have a huge impact on the response imo. 

Has there been an instance where distraction has played a major part in the outcome of an altercation for you TC?

So  the possibility of  being apprehended changes the level of physical response you're prepared to hand out in that instance?

Or does the fact that it is a violent encounter override that, and provide you with a moral/ethical "out" to proceed as you wish?