Why do people misbehaving people get angry when called out?

The person who cuts you off in traffic, and when you honk, *they honk back!*

Or someone who’s been ignoring your calls for weeks, and when you say “I don’t appreciate that.” They ask *how* you could leave them a voicemail like *that*.

Or the nightmare neighbor you ask repeatedly to be quiet, and later you find out they think *you’re* being mean to *them!*

These are things that have happened recently. I can have a hard time standing up for myself… but this stuff is truly mind boggling if you take a step away from it.

My theory is just – when people are bullies, deep down they know they’re misbehaving. They’re just banking on not being called out. So when you stand up for yourself, suddenly you’re the asshole.

Any insight or thoughts appreciated!