Surrounded by Psychopaths Review: How to Stop Manipulators
Have you ever met someone who seemed perfect at first? Like they were funny, caring, and made you feel special. But after some time, you felt uneasy. You noticed they twisted your words, made you doubt yourself, or slowly took control over decisions.
This surrounded by psychopaths review begins in that exact moment. This book shows how some people use kindness as bait. They are not monsters from a movie! They’re everyday people who know how to control and use others for their own benefit.
What This Surrounded by Psychopaths Book Is About?
The full title of the book is Surrounded by Psychopaths: How to Protect Yourself from Being Manipulated and Exploited in Business (and in Life).
The author, Thomas Erikson, focuses on dangerous people. Especially those who have no empathy and can hurt you without feeling guilty.
In this surrounded by psychopaths review, we learn that psychopaths don’t always look scary. They can be your boss, a co-worker, a friend, or even a romantic partner. They can be young or old, male or female, rich or poor.
The Four Colors: Understanding the DISC Model
One of the most important ideas in this surrounded by psychopaths review is the DISC model. It’s a simple way to understand personality types by using four colors. Like:
Red: Strong-willed, direct, and likes control. Reds often lead groups or take charge in situations.
Yellow: Fun-loving, creative, and social. Yellows love talking and can inspire others easily.
Green: Calm, patient, and caring. Greens prefer peace and avoid conflict.
Blue: Careful, logical, and detail-focused. Blues like rules and clear plans.
Psychopaths, can change their color depending on who they are talking to. If you’re a Yellow, they act playful. If you’re a Blue, they pretend to be organized. This is how they quickly win trust.
Erikson warns that understanding your own color is the first step in protecting yourself. If you know your strengths and weaknesses, you are harder to manipulate.
Signs of a Psychopath
In this surrounded by psychopaths review, we also focus on the signs that can warn you someone might be dangerous. Like:
- Too charming too quickly
- No real empathy
- Expert liars
- Control tactics
How to Protect Yourself?
The main lesson in this surrounded by psychopaths review is simple! Its knowing yourself to protect yourself.
1. Erikson’s advice is, Learn your personality color. This tells you where you might be easy to manipulate.
2. Set clear boundaries! For example, say, I will not lend money, or I will not work unpaid overtime.
3. Pay attention to sudden changes! If someone’s behavior changes too quickly, be alert.
4. Avoid giving too much personal information too soon! Psychopaths can use it against you later.
5. Walk away when needed! You don’t owe everyone your time. Especially if they make you feel unsafe.
Erikson says the goal is not to be paranoid but to be prepared. The more you understand how manipulation works, the less likely you are to fall for it.
Real-Life Examples
Throughout the book, Erikson gives examples that make his points clear. Like
A coworker who acts like your best friend, shares your jokes, and listens to your problems! But then uses that information to make you look bad in front of your boss.
A romantic partner who is sweet at first, but over time criticizes your every move and isolates you from your friends.
A boss who praises you in public but blames you in private when something goes wrong.
These examples are easy to understand and make the surrounded by psychopaths review relatable. You can see how these situations could happen to anyone, anywhere.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Book
Strengths:
- Uses simple language that anyone can follow.
- Give clear, practical steps to protect yourself.
- Share real-life examples, making it feel relevant.
Weaknesses
The color system may feel too simple for very complex human behavior. Some advice is repeated, which might feel boring for fast readers. But can be helpful for remembering the points.
About Author Thomas Erikson
Thomas Erikson is a Swedish behavioral expert, lecturer, and bestselling author. AK for turning complex psychology into simple, colorful models anyone can use. His first hit, Surrounded by Idiots, introduced millions to the DISC personality system. In Surrounded by Psychopaths, he goes deeper, warning readers about those who misuse people’s personalities for personal gain.
Warming Up
This surrounded by psychopaths review shows that the book is not about making you afraid. It’s about giving you tools. Once you know how manipulators work, you can protect yourself at work, in relationships, and in social situations.
FAQs
What is the main point of Surrounded by Psychopaths?
The main idea of Surrounded by Psychopaths is that some people use charm, flattery, and manipulation to control others for their own gain. Thomas Erikson explains how to recognize these behaviors and protect yourself.
Should I read Surrounded by Idiots before Surrounded by Psychopaths?
It’s not required! But it can help. Surrounded by Idiots introduces the DISC personality model. Which is used heavily in Surrounded by Psychopaths. If you read the first book, you’ll already understand the color system and how it relates to communication styles.
Is Thomas Erikson a psychologist?
No! Thomas Erikson is not a psychologist. He is a Swedish behavioral expert, author, and lecturer. He has decades of experience in communication, leadership, and personal development. His background is in coaching and corporate training.
What is Erikson therapy?
Erikson therapy usually refers to Eriksonian hypnotherapy. Which is based on the work of Milton H. Erickson! Not Thomas Erikson. Milton Erickson was a famous American psychiatrist and hypnotherapist known for using indirect suggestions, storytelling, and metaphors to help clients change behavior.
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