[Steve Van Doorn]

Using my analogy above. When you say, "the person that attacked me" that is the bait. There are many ways to bait a hook.

Trolls have two motives. They hate themselves and/or they're paid to do it

[Melinda in TN]

Agree. The same people do it over and over the same way. They have their own pattern. I took the bait the first time but not the second. I learned long ago that all you can do is stop reacting. Brawls are not debate.

You mentioned paid to do it. I think feeling like they have another’s approval is a form of payment. It’s like kids that follow a bully and do things to get the bully’s approval.

[Melinda in TN]

Also, your description could apply to either party. Most actual trolls continue to go after the same person over and over once the victim takes the bait. I have seen this person do it to others and once the bait is taken he screams troll at them. They are cowards that are afraid of debate. My reply to person #1 was friendly and supportive. The reply I got from the person I wasn’t talking to was done to start a fight

Just my .02.