Having seen a similar case up close myself, it is amazingly hard to wrap your head around some kinds of socially manipulative behavior. And I think that is why some people will fundamentally never come over your side - it's too hard to understand.
I've learned a few things from this (my) experience:
- Most people really are not interested in getting to the bottom of anything. Even if it is pretty serious and damaging. Sad but true. They can't be bothered to doubt their first instincts.
- Most people think they are such a rock-solid judge of character.
- If something doesn't add up, people may notice but then sweep it under the rug.
- Personality disorders are probably too hard a concept for people to consider. One thinks of a mental disorder as a person gibbering nonsense.
I've learned a few things from this (my) experience:
- Most people really are not interested in getting to the bottom of anything. Even if it is pretty serious and damaging. Sad but true. They can't be bothered to doubt their first instincts.
- Most people think they are such a rock-solid judge of character.
- If something doesn't add up, people may notice but then sweep it under the rug.
- Personality disorders are probably too hard a concept for people to consider. One thinks of a mental disorder as a person gibbering nonsense.