Why did it take so long to realize your friend is a sociopath?

It often takes time to recognize a friend's sociopathic traits because they can be charming and manipulative, masking their true nature. Additionally, sociopaths are skilled at building trust and can create a facade of normalcy, making their harmful behaviors less noticeable initially. Friends may also prioritize their emotional bond over red flags, rationalizing troubling behavior. It’s only after repeated negative experiences or a pattern of deceit becomes evident that the realization sets in.