What is "baiting"? (Glossary of Narcissistic Relationships)

One of the last things I told my Narc before we separated was, “the reason you are so cruel and mean to me is because when you look at me I am EVERYTHING you are not.”

They will accuse you of what they are guilty of.

This woman is raising me better than my parents are my life has changed so much since I started watching

“Exploiting your vulnerabilities instead of protecting them.” This explanation helps make it clear for me. Thank you. 🙏🏻

You’ll also often see a sadistic smirk on their face once you react. These are sick individuals

Not giving the Narcissist what they want is one of the most enjoyable and powerful gifts we can give ourselves.

It destroyed me how my reactions to the abuse was turned on me as if I were the problem. It is the most head muddling situation I have ever been through. Be careful with opening up on your mental health to people like this.

My favorite is when they bait, you comment, they get offended and dismissive, and the word salad happens, the conversation rapidly devolves, and you’re left reeling for days reflecting on how it went. This is every conversation with my family member.

My narc discarded me today. I'm still celebrating.

This lady is a true genius who has focused her immense intellect on this subject. We are all very blessed to have her.

My rotten mother was a FULL BLOWN narcissist. When she died it was one of those "thank God THAT'S over" moments!

I was 48 y/o before I learned about NPD. This needs to be explained in high school, it would save many people a lot of grief. Dr Ramani has over one million subscribers so narcissism must be quite mainstream

They are addicted to drama. People getting along is just boring to them.

No one is allowed emotions or reactions except the narcissist. They only want a positive mirror of who they imagine themselves to be. Give them anything else and you’re the bad guy.

I'm so ashamed when I actually react. I do know better. Then he just smirks and so happy he got to me.

Perfect example of baiting: I have very tightly curled hair that I let grow in after years of straightening it. I found a brush that really glides through the curls and showed it casually to a narcissist. Their response-"Wow, that reminds me of those brushes they use for dogs." My response-"I don't know about dogs but it works wonderfully on my curly hair. I'm so glad I found it!" I literally saw his whole countenance fall and a very disturbed look on his face immediately after my not taking the bait and him not getting his supply.

"They know what upsets you....Narcissists learn and recognize the vulnerabilities of other people and exploit them instead of protect them." I felt that deeply. I always felt like I was being analyzed instead of talking to a friend. Now it makes sense why.

Baiting is actually a two-fold "win" for the narcissist. Not only do they have power and control over your emotions but they also control the way other people view you.

The Baiting with a question is how I always fall for it. A softly put question to get in the door that BAM they pounce and attack

I just tried these strategies with my abusive ex wife, and she did all the responses- baiting, gas lighting, avoiding the issue, etc. I’ve never felt so clean after dealing with her, usually I feel like spending the day crying. Thank you so much, you’ve literally changed my life