Someone special (and not in a good way)

When I was in Sweden, I was surprised to hear people call someone that I had found exceedingly annoying "special". But I soon learnt that when these diplomatic Swedes call someone "special", they really mean "exceedingly annoying".
Now, we all know someone "special". Without trying, they successfully annoy or insult everyone they interact with. I guess that is special to be able to achieve that.
You know, the sort of person that if you told them that your cat had been knocked down, rather than showing sympathy, they would ask why you let it on to the road. I think they are an interesting breed of people. Are you born special or do you become that way? Maybe you choose to be special? Do you notice your social incompetence? If you are special, do you think your actions are normal and everyone around you is "special"? I definitely think there should be more scientific studies into special people. But until science can provide the answers, I recommend that when you see a special person coming, hide. I've tried talking about the weather, but somehow you end up being told you are solely responsible for global warming.......