10 ways to spot a potential psycho!

So you've met this amazing person and you are super excited to go on a first date. But are they a psycho deep down? Have they got more baggage than Mariah Carey when she travels? Do they have a history more complex than the Roman empire? Here is LA Muscle's 10 part "spot the psycho" guide for your safety and self preservation!

Understanding warning signs of potentially dangerous or manipulative behaviour can help to keep you safe. Here are ten possible indicators that someone may have deeply rooted, negative personality traits:

1. Intense Mood Swings:

Frequent and unpredictable mood swings that are extreme could be a warning sign. This could include switches from intense affection to extreme anger, or from excitement to depression. "Let's go have some fun. On second thought, I have a headache, I need to go home".

2. Controlling Behaviour:

Your date may attempt to control who you see, what you do, or what you wear. They might be overly possessive or get angry when you make decisions without consulting them. "You need to get the steak. Forget about being a vegetarian for one night".

3. Disregard for Other's Feelings:

A lack of empathy and understanding for other people's emotions and well-being can be a sign. This might manifest as selfishness, manipulation, or a tendency to ignore or dismiss your feelings. "Look at that poor guy crying at the other table. What a loser!"

4. Impulsive Behaviour:

Regular impulsive actions without thinking about the consequences can indicate underlying issues. This can range from financial recklessness to risky behaviour. "Come on, let's grab a cab and go to Tangiers".

5. Lying or Deceptive Behaviour:

If they frequently lie, even about small things, or have a habit of bending the truth, it may be a warning sign. This behaviour can create a distorted reality and manipulate others. "No I DID NOT put any pills in your drink and I don't care about this video the other table took of me doing it. It's all AI generated. Are you feeling sleepy yet?"

6. History of Violent Behaviour:

If they've had a history of violent behaviour, or enjoy violent movies, games, or activities to an excessive degree, it may be a red flag. "Well, my mum was asking to get smacked on that occasion. Who told her to grab the remote?"

7. Blaming Others:

They always blame others for their problems and never take responsibility for their actions. They tend to play the victim and portray themselves as misunderstood or mistreated. "Beggars. They make me sick. All their own fault. And yeah, maybe I failed my degree but my tutor had it in for me".

8. Gaslighting:

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where one person causes another to doubt their own reality or perceptions. If your date often makes you question your own memories or experiences, it could be a sign of this behaviour. "You think you love your parents but I have dabbled a bit in Psychology and all the signs are that you don't".

9. Intense Jealousy:

While some level of jealousy is normal in relationships, an intense, irrational jealousy, or possessiveness, can be a sign of underlying issues. "Why would you take another 3 seconds longer than normal to place your order with the waiter? You fancy him or something?"

10. Inappropriate Responses:

Laughter or indifference during serious discussions, getting angry over minor things, or showing inordinate amounts of affection in inappropriate situations can all be warning signs. "Your grandma' died today? Jesus that's a bummer. So, you want desert or what?"

11. Bonus

If they leave the table to go and get someone else's number, it's probably not a good sign. 'Naaah you've got it all wrong! She may be my long lost sister. I need to make sure! You don't want me to risk it and never see her again, do you? Don't be selfish!"

Again, these are only potential red flags. Seeing one or even a few of these signs doesn't automatically mean your date is a "psycho" or has a serious mental health disorder. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a relationship, though, it's important to take your feelings seriously and consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional for advice.