Why Do People Say things To Intentionally Push Your Buttons? / myLot

United States

September 29, 2026 12:31pm CST

I just had a short conversation with someone on the phone and during those few minutes he managed to make an intentional jab at me. But it was indirect, more passive-aggressive. This person does this every single time I talk to him. He's done it for years. Last time the jab was aimed toward my husband. He knows he's doing it. He's doing it on purpose. What makes a person want to be so cruel? To feel superior? To feel smarter? They like hurting people? Have you dealt with this?

4 people like this

5 responses

Fiacre Banks

@xFiacre (15467)

• Ireland

@looeyville it’s the only way some small people can big themselves up.

2 people like this

Michael

@Wrexxo (8523)

•

Some people just enjoy making others feel small, and it usually says more about them than about you. The passive aggressive ones are the worst because they can always say you're too sensitive. You don't owe him long calls, keep it short and move on.

2 people like this

Amber

@AmbiePam (128504)

• United States

They are miserable, and they want you to be miserable too. They are jealous because they know you have more going for you than they do, and they want some of that for themselves. They aren’t worth a minute of your time. They’ll never know real joy, and that is pitiable.

1 person likes this

LooeyVille

@LooeyVille (70)

• United States

I’m not gonna lie — it really hurts.

1 person likes this

Amber

@AmbiePam (128504)

• United States

@LooeyVille Oh, I bet.

1 person likes this