1. Why Do Some People Like to Provoke Others?  "There can be a number of reasons why someone might enjoy provoking others, but typically it’s because it gives them a sense of power or control. The person doing the provoking usually has low self-esteem and confidence, and it feels good when they make their victims feel the same. They always want to provoke some kind of reaction that will make you look and/or feel bad, that’s what provoking is. It can be hard to understand why someone would want to do this, but it’s important not to take it personally. I know it’s easy to say, but they’re the ones dealing with issues, not you."

2. They Try and Sabotage You: "This is a tactic I’ve seen a lot in the workplace over the years as coworkers tend to have the kind of access they need to sabotage others. It can be things like sabotaging your projects, taking credit for your ideas, or trying to make you look bad in front of your boss. Anything that’ll provoke a reaction or get your blood boiling they’ll do to try and push you over the edge." 

3. They’ve Figured Out How to Push Your Buttons: "Going hand in hand with trying to annoy and anger you, if someone has made the effort to find out what buttons to push to annoy you they’re determined to provoke you. It’s important to be aware of your own triggers and not let yourself get drawn into their games. I know it’s easier said than done, but you need to take a step back and not take it personally. They clearly have some insecurities and issues themselves that they’re trying to project onto you."

4. “Provoking someone is a way of making the other person overreact, with the hope that they’ll do something in anger to incriminate themselves. While the person doing the provoking acts all innocent and comes out of the interaction looking like the victim! It’s a toxic, narcissistic behavior that you need to be able to spot and not react to.”

5. They’re Confrontational: "One of the quickest ways to provoke someone is simply to be confrontational and abrasive. This is usually done in the form of verbal abuse and can be a real shock if you’re not expecting it. Keep your cool and don’t rise to their level, they’re just trying to bait you into reacting or overreacting!"