First off: Yes I'm open to Q and A, I'll answer any personal question asked of me in detail so long as I find it doesn't' divulge something that can be used to ascertain my identity.
I am edit 2 - was? a sociopath, though perhaps in the least negative sense, contrary to the portrayal of sociopaths.
I used to be manipulative, false, egomaniacal, etc. but also rather unhappy. I was a very basic sociopath, but arguably so are a lot of teenagers in minor ways. I grew out of it. All my close friends know about me, even if they can't fully understand how I'm different they accept it. I cherish life and am basically a cautious hedonist (if there can be such a thing). I care for my family, my friends, I empathize with them, I never wish not to. Excluding my professors I never lie, I find the truth to a much more frightening weapon, compelling force, challenge, etc.
edit 1 -Note: I was diagnosed 6 years ago. Furthermore Cleckley's 16 behavioral characteristics used to check out as well. At the time I was diagnosed they were spot on minus the partying (never has been my thing) and lack of insight. (extremely logical brain and understanding of psychology helped me on insight where empathy failed) Nowadays however I'm very reliable (though I still have issues with job commitment, while I do stay in a job I work 110%), honest, etc etc. I've never cheated on a woman though, I don't get any appeal from the thought. I just leave when a relationship doesn't work for me anymore, but I've had long term ones. Basically I became self-aware, and being able to see myself as a sociopath I became extremely dissatisfied with all the negative labels and attributes associated with it so I did my best to transcend the parts I didn't like. Sociopaths are often compulsively run by a fear of losing control and fear of exposure ( I sure was ) so I relented control and exposed myself. Life's been much more interesting ever since.
I've done some cruel things, all of which are years behind me. I can and have experienced guilt. For me it is always momentary and fleeting, and only when I've accidentally slighted someone I care about. Guilt is pointless however, so I focus instead of making amends and what I'll do going forward. However there were a few people that I hurt immensely with intent, as they deserved it to my perspective. I wouldn't say I savor the memories so much as I get a sense of satisfaction when thinking about how I successfully and seamlessly enforced my ideals.
To be clear, I don't presume I have a right to do any of the above. Quite the contrary, I am perfectly aware that I overstepped my bounds and did so acknowledging the caution and risk that comes with defying society's status quo. I'm aware of my strengths and weaknesses, and while I do succumb from time to time to the notorious' sociopath's ego I am generally extremely humble. I admire the strengths in others I do not have, and I have no problem complimenting others sincerely or feeling joy when someone obtains something I don't. My view is that the only point to life is whatever we decide for it, and I cannot evade the feeling that we're all just egocentric little specks in the universe. I just do whatever pleases me in the moment.
I'm in a very happy long term relationship with a beautiful woman who is no doubt my better half. I've always been good at relationships but I've only been in real love 3 times, this being the third. I actually consider myself lucky to have a number that high at my age, I find it extremely ironic that a sociopath like me has a much better grasp on what love really is compared to the general public. (divorce rates, 70% of married men cheat, 60% of women, etc etc etc it's pathetic)
I'm not sure I see the point to all I've written though as I'm not sure it will actually bring you any closer to knowing me.
To everyone: I love the arts, traveling, romance, fine food (I mean world class when possible), new things, learning from failure, ice skating, swimming, surfing, sprinting, secure women, apple pie, getting my ears bitten (furthermore some degree of kink in general), programming, gaming, technology in general, science, politics, etc. etc. etc. I think being a sociopath has let me step out of myself quite a bit and almost into the shoes of others. If someone is both articulate and passionate about something that's usually enough to at least grant me the ability to appreciate it on some level.
To sociopaths who enjoy the game, power, control etc: Control is an illusion, as is power. Imagine a version of yourself that retired or perhaps graduated from the game. It did nothing for lasting satisfaction, and became so simple, dull, and fruitless that at this point I am not sure why I ever played it in the first place. It was always the same cycle of bullshit, frankly. I implore you to try something harder, you might be surprised and you'll definitely be less bored and/or empty.
To sociopaths like myself: I'd like to meet you, even if just by online communication. Finding people truly secure and happy in of themselves is rare enough, let alone someone like that who's also able to remove empathy at will.
Ask me anything, if your post is ignored it is intentional, but that doesn't mean I'm ignoring you personally, it's just whatever you posted.