So, is it you?

Much has been written and spoken about Sherlock in the last few days as series three drew to another enigmatic close. The latest villain and his face licking antics left viewers gasping as the programme took on a darker twist than we have probably ever seen. It was not, however, Charles Augustus Magnussen that had me literally scrabbling back in my chair to get away from the screen but Sherlock's arguably ultimate nemesis. 

Andrew Scott's portrayal of titillatingly charming psychopath Jim Moriarty genuinely frightens me. Although truthfully that's not giving his scaring credentials much of a shout out because I am still too scared to watch Doctor Who having been traumatised by the opening sequence during the Tom Baker days. Oh, and don't even think about putting the Wizard of Oz on if I'm at your house. The scene where the Wicked Witch of the West is up the tree unbeknown to Dorothy makes me feel a bit sick.

Nevertheless, Moriarty is terrifying simply because he could be your mate. He could be your mate's boyfriend. He might be the man who cleans your windows or the woman who served you in Asda this morning.
It's estimated that approximately 1-2% of a general population are psychopaths - about a million potentials in the UK. Given the average amount of friends a person has on Facebook, this indicates that most of us will know a psychopath. But how will we know? Will it be the moment they strap explosives on our bodies and call a famous detective to solve a puzzle before we can be released? Unlikely. 

If you get the chance, read 'The Psychopath Test' by Jon Ronson, the book whose line (spoken by a convicted murderer under questioning from a clinical psychologist) "I have no idea what the emotion is on that face but it's the one people have just before I kill them." sent a chill of horror down my back.
You see, apparently, there's a test that mental health professionals use to determine if a person's personality traits tick enough boxes for them to be labelled. I am guessing that the quoted man above's tick list was fairly extensive. 

The point I am trying to make here is that the stereotypical characteristics of someone who you wouldn't wish to bump into down a dark alley when walking home alone aren't necessarily the ones you should be most afraid of because statistically, you are far more likely to encounter psychopathy elsewhere. 
Keep an eye on anyone who doesn't care when you tell them your cat has died. Watch that person at the office who makes 'friends' with everyone and becomes the most cold hearted manager you ever had. Try to avoid the person who talks about their third time base jumping. Oh and definitely give a wide berth to the person whose need for instant gratification is spellbinding.
Why? Psychopaths tend to have a few common traits but on the surface they lurk with a different face for every need. Statistically, we all know one but who is it? Have a think...

Queen Moriarty

It isn't a family member nor is it a friend. You've discounted your colleagues and the people at the gym. There's no way it could be the window cleaner and you would state unequivocally that it isn't the woman who served you in Asda. So, is it you? 

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/psychopath-night

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Psychopath-Test-Jon-Ronson/dp/0330492276/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390076211&sr=8-1&keywords=psychopath+test