Narcissists are like toddlers trapped in an adult’s body. Remember when you were a kid and teased someone just to get a reaction? Narcissists take that to a whole new level, and their behavior is far from harmless or playful.
Unlike a child who teases out of innocence, narcissists provoke people for selfish and often malicious reasons. They thrive on chaos and enjoy seeing others struggle or feel upset. Your frustration isn’t accidental—it’s intentional.
They’ll deliberately get under your skin and manipulate your emotions because making you upset or frazzled is their idea of a win. This behavior is calculated and far from innocent.
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3. Your Reactions Fuel Their Narcissistic Supply
Narcissistic supply refers to their constant craving for admiration and validation. It’s the fuel that keeps their ego going, and they’ll do almost anything to get it.
Think of it this way: they’re scavengers, always on the hunt for anything that boosts their sense of self-importance—whether it’s praise, attention, or recognition. This need for admiration knows no bounds.
Narcissists care deeply about how others perceive them, whether it’s within their community, among people they respect, or the broader world. They strive to be seen as the “winners” and not the “losers.”
Provoking you serves two purposes:
- It demonstrates their power in the relationship, showing that they can control you.
- Your reactions provide them with the narcissistic supply they crave. Seeing you upset boosts their sense of dominance and reinforces their self-importance.
If you stop giving them the reactions they seek, they’ll often try harder to provoke you, as they see it as proof they still have power over you.
4. They Want the Spotlight
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