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This is an interesting topic, OP. This reminds me of a friend of mine, who enjoys provoking people. I had to avoid him for years, because normal conversation wasn't possible. And you're right; true to the form you point out, he couldn't take criticism, even constructive criticism. He'd expect others to take his put-downs, but would kick and scream if anyone turned the tables on him, to try to send a message. He never got the message.
In some cases like this, it's combined with narcissism. Narcissists notoriously are thin-skinned, even as they dish out criticism to others. And of course, they harbor feelings of superiority over others, believing that most people (those who disagree with them) are ignorant or deluded.
Could your acquaintance be a narcissist? What was he like when he was employed? Was he thin-skinned then, too? Trollish? It's sad. I don't know how people like this manage to have any friends, but they do. I guess those are the people who agree with their views. They can pretend together that they're an exclusive club of Enlightened Ones, and laugh at everyone else.
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I've been called a troll twice - once on a big box pet store discussion forum. Subforum for rodents. i wanted to know if there was another alternative litter that's better at keeping rodent odor down than cedar shavings, since I don't really like that scent. Word to the wise - don't ask that question of dedicated rodent lovers. They will run you off the board on rails.
The second time was an anxiety forum that I had joined and immediately people said um we know who you are, you can't change names and expect to disguise yourself. Then after several exchanges a very peaceloving peacekeeper on the forum (there are always those!) said look, you're absolutely welcome to post here, your input is fine, but just know we know you are _____ with a different handle.
So. I'm a little forgiving when someone is called a troll. Sometimes, they aren't. They're sincere.
I've been called a troll twice - once on a big box pet store discussion forum. Subforum for rodents. i wanted to know if there was another alternative litter that's better at keeping rodent odor down than cedar shavings, since I don't really like that scent. Word to the wise - don't ask that question of dedicated rodent lovers. They will run you off the board on rails.
The second time was an anxiety forum that I had joined and immediately people said um we know who you are, you can't change names and expect to disguise yourself. Then after several exchanges a very peaceloving peacekeeper on the forum (there are always those!) said look, you're absolutely welcome to post here, your input is fine, but just know we know you are _____ with a different handle.
So. I'm a little forgiving when someone is called a troll. Sometimes, they aren't. They're sincere.
Gawd, it's a cesspool out there, on the interwebzz! But this is about people who troll others to get a reaction IRL. Very obnoxious. People who deliberately go through life in porcupine mode, shooting bristles at people, for the fun of it.
Gawd, it's a cesspool out there, on the interwebzz! But this is about people who troll others to get a reaction IRL. Very obnoxious. People who deliberately go through life in porcupine mode, shooting bristles at people, for the fun of it.
I know someone like this. He is always poking fun and stirring the pot, but it occurred to me one day that he was doing it to steer the conversation away from himself.
Btw, I know you're talking about "in person" trolling, but check this out (I couldn't stop laughing):
Welfare is different from sponging because someone voluntarily supports the sponger, it is quite a libertarian arrangement.
Libertarians also criticize 40 year old men who live at home with Mama. Let's not move the goalposts here. If you preach self-sufficiency and independence then be self-sufficient. Don't mooch off the state or family and friends.
Regardless of political leanings, I've noticed the same behavior OP. Most people who pride themselves on telling it like it is and offending people can't take having their less than finer character flaws thrown back at them. Then when this is pointed out to them they come up with some excuse on why it's different and why their hurt feelings are more valid than everyone else's
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