Is Sherlock Really a Sociopath?
Okay, so we all know that Sherlock calls himself a high-functioning sociopath. Well, I was looking up some stuff about sociopaths (don't ask why) and came across something about sociopaths 1) having short and unstable relationships. And, 2) Sociopaths will only enter a relationship as long as it is beneficial to them and they see friends as opportunities rather than meaningful connections.
Okay, so, Sherlock's relationships are messy. But, all the relationships he is in are beneficial to him. Lestrade gives him cases as long as he stays clean. Molly gives him body parts and access to the morgue, mainly just because she fancies Sherlock. He needed John to rent the flat. And, he needed Mrs H to even acquire the flat, there might be more to that one, but we don't know the full story.
But, what do all of these have in common? Sherlock cares for them all. Yes, sociopaths can care. But, think about it. He was willing to give up everything, even the benefits of his friends, to save Lestrade, John, and Mrs H. He killed a man for John, sure the man was a fucking cunt and deserved to die, but he still killed him. He threw a man out of a window, several times because he hurt and threatened Mrs H. He literally told Molly that he loved her - which he does, but in a friendship way, sorry Sherlolly shippers! - to save her life. He told Greg his wife was cheating on him, again. He also nearly killed himself so he didn't have to kill his best friend or his brother.
So, why does he do this? Well, I have two conclusions.
Sherlock is really a Sociopath, but he has grown to care and love his friends.
Sherlock is not a sociopath, but he either thinks he is because he read something about sociopaths and he diagnosed himself, or he just uses it as an excuse for his "Strangeness"
Sorry for this whole essay! Have an awesome day!