My ex used to subtly do this all the time. Little put downs and negative comments etc. 20 years I had it. Now I'm realising what it has done to my confidence and self esteem.

There are some "pick-up artists" who advise men to be different by opening with a "left-handed compliment", rather than a true compliment. Many very beautiful women seem to have a nagging doubt that they are truly beautiful, so this can actually affirm their negative inner dialog and make the guy seem like someone willing to tell them the truth.

So it's manipulation in a very dark and intentional way, in order to have sex (and esp. with women typically "out of one's league").

But you can see assholish behavior everywhere.... 😵‍💫😕🥺