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Surrounded by Psychopaths

or, How to Stop Being Exploited by Others

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About this listen

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

Communication & Social Skills Conflict Resolution Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Witty Mental Health

Critic reviews

'A guidebook for deflecting psychological manipulators . . . Bluntly cautionary and applicable advice on the importance of vigilance.'
'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.'
All stars
Most relevant
I’ll be listening again. It’s an eye opener.
It’s also not read by that irritating American accent that drives most people away from listening to the end.
It was that good, I downloaded surrounded by Narcissists.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

Very insightful and gives the answers we all need

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This book is truly fascinating, I literally couldn't stop listening to it. Even had it on while I was training in the gym. I've learned so much about myself and other people and its made me understand the behaviours of those around me, resulting in me realising that I have a psychopath in my life and a very clever red manipulator. Now I feel like I understand! Thank you.

Loved it!

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useful guidance, very well structured and written. By the end of the book you'll feel more confident with your action plan.

easy to follow

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I love all the nuance that is given to distinguish manipulators from true psychopaths. Also, how they destroy you depending on your personality.

Useful book against manipulators

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love it. couldn't stop listening. I wish I had read this book many years ago. I would had saved myself a lot of trouble!

A must read... for everyone. Very insightful.

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