First off, I have stricken your “Folks:” as this site is not your platform. But, luckily, it’s not too difficult to start one up yourself.

The author does what?

I’m always open to constructive criticism, but I sense that your intention is a bit mean-spirited, as well as incorrect. Does that make me angry … no, not in the least. I know people like you; you’re not very exclusive … but maybe somewhat pompous.

To be very candid, though, I smiled and just shook my head when I first read your words. Luckily, most people here want to contribute an experience, even if it’s a life-long experience. Yours does not contribute. Yours alleges.

Allow me to address your accusations …

1) My post, especially in closing, advocates that reading is of the utmost importance. If this author thought there was “so little value/merit on the topic” why would searching out and reading informed articles be such a strong suggestion?

2) This author did not mention Martha Stout in this post because she has her own post on this site. Per my request, Dr. Stout reviewed the post and her quotes, and she requested no changes.

I do hope this clears things up for you … I know I feel better.

Your friends that stayed behind did so on their own accord. You cannot add more weight to your own well-being by worrying about them. You need to focus on you and begin the slow process of healing and moving on.

You already made the toughest decision, and that was to resign. Surround yourself with your loved ones. Don’t look back, just focus on your future. Having dealt with the devil, you need to move forward with conviction.

Again, it will take time but you can do it. We’ll be here.

I wish you the best.

I regard myself as a well adjusted individual and someone that has always excelled in my work. I have a wonderful supportive family and a loving circle of friends, which should have given me some solid grounding when I came face to face with these evil people. The experience has been spine chilling to say the least. I started becoming suicidal, had dangerously high blood pressure and just decided to resign before they kill me! Interesting fact is that although me and my team reported them to human resources, it was blatantly ignored.

My advice, if you run into one of these individuals, back away slowly and run. You cannot beat them at their own game, they will chip away at your sanity until you are just a shell no one will recognize. Luckily two of my colleagues and myself managed to escape (with no alternate employment) and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Sad thing is that a couple of people remained behind with the hope that “tomorrow will be better”. It will not be better and I worry about them!!

Your brother sounds like my sister. Her husband is blind and her biggest disciple. Or, in other words, he’s a big dumb ass. She’s without words.

He still has not grown up. Since we both hate each other, we will never contact one another again. Even his second wife is blind to his true character and she is a vitriolic bitch to boot.

“Sociopaths” as we generally call them, are completely adaptable to their surroundings, and those they deal with. They have no intention to be identified, and if they become suspicious that someone has (even if they have not) that person’s life, now as a victim, will never be the same

If there was a list of things you could look for, they would still do their damnedest to hide it — and many are so charming and quick-witted that they’ll put you at ease and make you start discounting things you could check.