Pity Play

Beware of the pity play. Sociopaths (narcissists) universally use the pity play for attention. It's the number #1 characteristic of the disorder, and most (if not all) use it to manipulate and dupe people into giving them the attention they so desperately need. Martha Stout, author of "The Sociopath Next Door" says in her book:

"the best clue, of all things, is the pity play. The most reliable sign, the most universal behavior of unscrupulous people is not directed at our fearfulness. It is, preversely, an appeal to our sympathy."


She goes on to state that "sociopaths have no regard for social contract but they do know how to use it to their advantage. When deciding whom to trust, bear in mind that the combination of consistently bad behavior or egregious inadequate behavior with frequent plays for your pity is as close to a warning mark on a conscienceless person's forehead as you will ever be given."

Emphasis mine.

I know Taz uses the pity play perfectly. Always has. He wants everyone to feel sorry for him for dilemmas he brought on himself. He does these things FOR the pity. It's ridiculous but such is the life of a narcissist.