Surrounded by Psychopaths

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

The funny and practical guide on how to handle life’s manipulators and avoid being exploited by them, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Surrounded by Idiots.

Some people are exceptionally manipulative. They can convince anyone about anything and lure them with their charm. They enjoy controlling others and will do anything to get what they want.

The bad news is that you can’t really escape them. But here comes the good news: you can beat them at their own game.

In his inspiring – and, at times, funny – guide, bestselling behavioural expert Thomas Erikson explains how manipulative people exploit our weaknesses and personality traits - and how to protect yourself. Using his famous four-colour model, Erikson shows you how to:

Identify the signs of manipulation early


  • Set healthy boundaries and stand your ground

  • Stay calm and confident in toxic situations

  • Reclaim your emotional energy and peace of mind

    Insightful, entertaining and empowering, Surrounded by Psychopaths will give you everything you need to handle life’s most skilled manipulators, identify the psychopaths in your life, and free yourself from their control.


    'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining' Publishers Weekly

    ‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it] Business Insider

    Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work

    Everyone can benefit from this bookBooklist

    © Thomas Erikson 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

    Critics Review

    'A guidebook for deflecting psychological manipulators . . . Bluntly cautionary and applicable advice on the importance of vigilance.'
    Kirkus Reviews
    'This easy-to-read guide will calm fears by arming readers with practical tactics for thwarting a psychopath's strategies. Adults in the workplace and at home would benefit from Erikson's advice on how to recognize and understand different behaviors, as well as how to recognize red flags in all types of relationships.'
    Booklist

    User Reviews

    Book 4.0
    Narration 5.0
    4.0
    5.0
    Easy to follow audio book. It provides a good way to step back and reflect on the dynamics of your relationships and respond to unpleasant and manipulative behaviours, rather than reacting to them. It offers hope that you can make your situation better, or confidence that leaving is the right decision.
    I will want to read a different one to get more current research theories.
    anthea 02/03/2025

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