Annotation
Stout argues that there is a difference between complimenting someone and charming them to fulfill a selfish agenda. Charm is almost always excessive, is designed to appeal to the ego and soften the victim's defenses. Authentic compliments, on the other hand, are sincere and given with no hidden agenda. Charm and charisma also happen to be powerful indicators of sociopathy. The conscienceless have it in spades.
The Sociopath Next Door
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