TOP POST! Why Narcissists Provoke You: How They Offload Anger to Feel Calm
Many people who grow up with narcissistic parents or remain in relationships with narcissistic partners ask the same question: “Why do they seem calmer after I’m upset — while I’m left emotionally wrecked?” This is not coincidence. It is a core psychological mechanism. What feels like deliberate irritation, baiting, or emotional poking is often a way for the narcissist to offload their internal anger onto you so they can feel regulated. Once you understand this process, it becomes much easier to stop taking their behavior personally — and to protect yourself from its effects. The Core Concept: Emotional Offloading Narcissists struggle with internal emotional regulation, especially with emotions such as: Anger Shame Envy Powerlessness Rather than processing these emotions internally, they export them outward. They do this by provoking someone else into carrying the emotional charge for them. In simple terms: They feel better when you feel worse. No...