13/07/2025
**What is baiting?**
Baiting is when a toxic person purposely does or says something that they know will hurt or upset you. It is usually some rude or cruel comment or remark, or a condescending remark. It is done to provoke some kind of reaction out of you, make you feel inferior, or to start drama and an argument. Never take the bait from a toxic person who does this. They are highly controlling, and often subtly abusive. They have no concern for how they make others feel, and according to them, hurting someone else is never their fault. It will be your fault for reacting.
This tactic is deeply manipulative and often calculated. Baiting allows the toxic person to flip the script: once you respond emotionally—whether with anger, sadness, or frustration—they’ll claim you’re the problem. Suddenly, you’re “too sensitive,” “crazy,” or “aggressive,” while they pretend to be calm and rational. This is a form of emotional abuse and psychological warfare meant to discredit and destabilize you.
What makes baiting so dangerous is that it’s often done in public or around mutual friends or family. The toxic person wants witnesses—not to the abuse, but to your reaction. That way, they can play the victim and smear your character. You end up looking like the one who caused the conflict, when in reality, you were provoked.
Recognizing baiting is critical to your healing and peace of mind. You don’t need to prove anything to someone who is committed to misunderstanding you. Stay grounded, stay calm, and do not engage. Your silence and indifference will always speak louder than their drama.