There’s no shortage of psychopaths in the world, and they have a surprising ability to attract normal, healthy people. While many can’t explain exactly what draws them to someone with a dark personality, there are some common factors at play.

**They Just Look Better**
Psychopaths aren’t naturally more attractive, but they know how to use their appearance to their advantage. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that psychopaths often use makeup, clothing, and hairstyling creatively to look more appealing and lure people in.

**Power is Attractive**
You might think of a killer when you hear “psychopath,” but not all psychopaths are violent. Many are functional members of society who even work their way into powerful positions. They crave control and power over others, which can be appealing to those who believe that being friends with someone powerful will benefit them.

**Amazing First Impressions**
Although psychopaths don’t experience emotions like most people, they’re excellent at mimicking them. They observe and copy behaviors to make themselves charming and approachable. They’re alert, friendly, and easy to talk to, making a good first impression. They seem like well-adjusted, witty, and articulate people—until their darker side eventually surfaces.

**The Darkness Hidden Under a Caring Front**
Psychopaths are very conscious of how others perceive them. They work hard to make sure they’re liked and respected, often getting involved in charitable activities like feeding the hungry or helping people find jobs. They want to be seen as advocates for peace, which helps them hide their true nature and makes it harder for people to see the real them.

**They Mirror You**
Psychopaths spend so much time observing other people that they become very good at reflecting back what you want to hear, making you laugh, and understanding your needs. People are naturally drawn to others who reflect their own traits, making psychopaths particularly irresistible. It feels good to be around them until their true, manipulative tendencies start to show.

**Recognizing a Psychopath**
Even intelligent people can fall victim to psychopaths, so it’s important to recognize the signs. Be wary of anyone who seems too smooth or charming. Psychopaths are self-centered, think they’re more important than others, and get bored easily. They lie, cheat without remorse, and don’t care about the consequences if they get caught. They manipulate others for personal gain and have shallow emotional responses. They’re risk-takers and always find someone else to blame for their failures. Learning to spot a psychopath early can help you avoid these dangerous individuals.