LittleDove22 says
Testosterone and insecurity.
Some people enjoy fighting "arguing" socially, but most are just insecure about who they are.
Speaking your mind with an insecure person can get you a verbal attack without ever wanting a confrontation. That's why its best to keep opinions to a minimum in public circles.
Youth is another reason for picking fights. Young men often want to prove their ability to stand their ground against others. Think of kittens learning to pounce. They are practicing. Topic makes little difference.
Just walk away or ignore the attack and its often gone quickly. Put up with it, even without responding, and you are inviting them to do this with you whenever they choose.
Silver Poet says
One of the reasons may be game playing, as outlined in the book titled "Games People Play" by Eric Berne.
ECDupree says
Often it is to feel more self important than they are. People often pick a fight with someone the view as "weaker" in some sense. It makes them feel "powerful" and if a person is insecure or going through a time of change and uncertainty they can resort to picking fights with others.
Another possibility is that they were raised in a hostile environment then as the saying goes "Children learn what they live," and if they live with others that do things like pick fights it is something they may do as well.
You can vote each answer up or down to show your support or disapproval. You cannot flag an answer, but if an answer receives enough down votes compared to up votes, then it will become hidden.
