What would make someone feel good by making another afraid?

Question

I always feel guilt if another is afraid of me. Why do some people seem to like making others afraid of them? Or like making another person feel bad? They seem to get off on it and dont care how they make the other person feel or what the other person thinks of them?

Answer 1

They have a personality disorder. Sociopathy is a disorder where the person has no conscience. They never feel guilty about anything. They thrive on making others feel inadequate or stupid. In the extreme, they get their kicks by doing really horrible things to get people's attention. I'm sure you can think of lots of famous criminals who fit into this category. There is a book called The Sociopath Next Door that is a real eye opener on this subject. I recommend it.

Answer 2

It's a power trip. These people are so insecure that they must hold the upper hand. They have received bad treatment in there life and the only way to compensate for it is to have the power. They can't deal with people normally. There warped mind feels that when they are in power, everybody respects them. It's just a sick mind. These people have no real friends and that is what they are truly seeking. They feel that the way to friendship is the holding the power. So sad

Answer 3

Well, arrogance can be one factor. They might think they are on top of the world and the others under their command. Or its just that they might feel insecure from personal backgrounds and so showing that they can boss around might make them feel good. When whatever you do makes you feel happy and good and you think its right, you don't give a damn to whatever others feel, right? You listen to what your mind tells you and step on the gas, thats how everybody is. When you are taught or made to grow sensitive and respect others' feelings, you do it. If you aren't taught so, you don't do it.... It all comes to the same thing, about what kind of stuff you are from inside...... :-)

Answer 4

they are in a big case of self doubt, and need to be reassured. thats the only way they can achieve self worth in their own mind. as twisted as it is, it makes sense. ive known people like that, and they feel isolated for some reason. they feel they must make themselves known, and creating fear is their only way out. they do care what people think about them, deep down, but they will not admit it to themselves. i think too much caring about what others think has made them the way they are. most people will reject the ones that wont accept them. its just an extension of that.

Answer 5

I actually think those people actually CARE about what other think of them, but they are also insecure and like to be a controller. Why? because that makes them feel better about themselve.

Answer 6

One man (or woman) says to himself "I am nothing" and believes it. The thoughts may have been there a long time and others may have encouraged that idea "you are nothing." Now I say something evil and I see your fear, your shame, your guilt and I see that your reaction. You have reacted to me -- you are afraid of me. I feel that little rush -- "I am somebody." I may be a sick, sick puppy, but "I am somebody."

Answer 7

Someone who's suffered abuse in the past may feel all people are guilty of abusing him and thus he wants to defend himself against all people.

Answer 8

POWER! The power to make others afraid and the sense of jubilation it brings to some is almost narcotic, revenge isn't bad, either!

Answer 9

they are getting their own self esteem up
plain and simple

its survival for them
its a bad way
but it works

Answer 10

insecure bullies