It's important to remember that diagnosing someone with a mental health condition, especially based on limited information, can be complex and should be done by qualified mental health professionals. That being said, I can provide some insights into potential reasons for the behavior you described.
Individuals with narcissistic traits or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) often exhibit manipulative and controlling behaviors in their relationships. They may engage in behaviors that provoke emotional reactions from others, including attempts to elicit rejection or provoke violent reactions. Some potential reasons for this behavior include:
Need for Control: Narcissists have a strong need for control and power over others. By pushing people to reject them or reacting violently, they can feel like they have control over the situation and can manipulate emotions to their advantage.
Testing Boundaries: Narcissists often test the boundaries of others to see how much they can push or manipulate them. By provoking rejection or violent reactions, they may gauge how much influence they have over the other person.
Seeking Validation: Narcissists have fragile self-esteem and often seek validation from others. By eliciting strong reactions, they may gain a sense of self-importance or confirmation of their beliefs about themselves.
Defense Mechanism: Some narcissists may engage in self-sabotaging behaviors as a defense mechanism to avoid perceived future abandonment or rejection. By provoking others to reject them, they may feel more in control of the situation.
Emotional Manipulation: Narcissists are skilled at manipulating emotions and creating drama to keep others engaged and focused on them. This can create a toxic cycle of conflict and dependency in the relationship.
It's worth noting that not all narcissists behave in the same way, and individuals can have a range of behaviors and responses based on various factors, including their specific personality traits and life experiences.
It is also essential to consider the possibility of other underlying factors contributing to the individual's behavior, such as unresolved trauma or other mental health issues. Regardless of the specific diagnosis or label, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being and safety. If you find yourself in a challenging relationship with a person who exhibits harmful or abusive behaviors, consider seeking support from a mental health professional or a support network to help you navigate the situation.