People with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships due to their pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. When they meet someone who is genuinely kind and understanding, their reaction can vary depending on the individual and the context. Here are some possible reactions:
Manipulation: Some individuals with ASPD might see a genuinely kind and understanding person as an opportunity for manipulation. They may exploit the person's empathy and trust to further their own interests or gain something they desire.
Indifference: People with ASPD often struggle to form deep emotional connections with others, so they may react with indifference to someone's kindness and understanding. They might not appreciate or reciprocate the kindness they receive.
Suspicion: Since individuals with ASPD often have trust issues themselves, they may be suspicious of someone who is kind and understanding, wondering what the other person's motives are or assuming they must want something in return.
Testing Boundaries: Some individuals with ASPD might test the kindness and understanding of the other person to see how far they can push the boundaries. They may engage in manipulative behavior to see if the person will tolerate it or continue to be understanding.
Utilizing for Personal Gain: If the person with ASPD recognizes that the kind and understanding individual can be of benefit to them in some way, they might try to keep them close to use them as a resource or for support.
Avoidance: In some cases, individuals with ASPD might feel uncomfortable or uneasy around genuinely kind and understanding people because they may perceive such individuals as too different from themselves or be unfamiliar with such positive interactions.
It's important to understand that people with ASPD exhibit a wide range of behaviors and responses, and not all individuals with this disorder will necessarily react in the same way. Also, it's worth noting that a diagnosis of ASPD should only be made by a qualified mental health professional, as it requires a comprehensive assessment of the individual's behavior and history.