When people talk about dark psychology, they’re usually describing the ways human behavior can turn manipulative—how charm becomes control, empathy turns to exploitation, and love can be used as leverage. Online, this term often gets linked to narcissism, but the truth is more complex. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is only one of four Cluster B personality disorders, and each has its own relationship to what we call “dark” behavior.

What Is “Dark Psychology”? While it’s not an official branch of psychology, dark psychology refers to the study of how people use psychological tactics for self-serving or harmful purposes.

When relationships end, we often grieve the person we’ve lost—but sometimes the deepest ache comes from losing a pet we shared. Whether the separation was amicable or full of conflict, saying goodbye to a beloved animal can feel like reliving the breakup all over again. It’s a unique kind of heartbreak—because you’re not just losing your partner, you’re also losing the daily comfort, companionship, and unconditional love of your pet.