I think it's our empathy. I go through that shit all of the
   time. I feel like I understand the "mind of a killer", how they
   think, why they think that way, why it make sense. I could
   probably stand there and justify all of their behavior and even
   convincingly because I can make myself believe it for a time
   because I've successfully fully empathized with them, but forgot
   my "self" in the process. I remember a pop-psychology term for
   it years ago.... maybe it's real psychology I dunno: thin walled
   vs thick walled. I'm thin walled. Empathy comes easily. So I
   have multiple defenses for it (against emotional manipulation,
   both to myself and from others). But it's a battle for self -
   one that no one can see but me. == Yes, very relatable. That's
   what keeps me on my guard: against myself even moreso than the
   rest of the planet. ==