When most people think of the term "psychopath", what comes to mind is a socially isolated, serial killer with no regard for human life. While most serial killers may in fact be clinical psychopaths, most people who possess this disorder (also commonly termed sociopathy or antisocial personality disorder) are lesser criminals or even subcriminal. These "subcriminal" types may not actually end up prosecuted for any crime, but they display a tendency toward destructive behavior, ignoring social norms and violating the rules.

If you have the unfortunate experience of being romantically involved with a psychopath, it is not long before a series of confusing, bewildering, and hurtful actions start you questioning why things are going wrong between the two of you. Here are 8 signs your partner may possess psychopathic wiring:

1. Your partner lacks empathy for others. He or she may adopt the appearance of relating to and caring about others, but over time it becomes clear that there is no emotional foundation behind the act.

2. Your partner does not have genuine remorse or guilt when he or she does something hurtful and destructive. Again, your partner may feign guilt or remorse, but in reality, it is an act designed simply to mollify you and keep you useful to the psychopath. Psychopaths may express the idea that people "get what they deserve" for being weak or setting themselves up to be taken advantage of.

3. Lack of impulse control. Your partner may have a compulsion toward instant gratification. This often leads to substance abuse, serial infidelity, or other addictions.

4. Manipulativeness and compulsive lying. Your partner may lie without hesitation and with ease when it serves their needs. The classic "con artist" is a psychopath, taking advantage of the kind natures of others. Sometimes this result in a kind of parasitic lifestyle, where the psychopath exploits others for financial resources.

5. Glib, superficial charm, and shallow emotions. Your partner may exhibit a tendency to "schmooze" others and use charm to get by.

6. Lack of responsible behavior. Psychopaths may have difficulty holding down a job, paying bills on time, or honoring marital commitments.

7. Proneness to boredom. A psychopath frequently lacks the same degree of fight or flight response that the rest of us have. This trait, combined with lack of concern for the safety and feelings of others, may lead to risky and reckless behaviors that do not take into account the safety and well being of others.

8. Criminal activity. Many psychopaths do exhibit criminal behavior, from violent crime to DUI's. While a psychopath may not get caught, they have a tendency to ride the line, and feel that the regular rules of society do not particularly apply to them.