I’m male aged early 40s, grown up a scapegoat so a magnet for narcissists – at this stage I am very well read up on narcissist personality disorder.

I have a new neighbour – looks about 30, has all the NPD red flags. I don’t know him, but he comes at me aggressively if he is with friends.

So a big part of his game is to instil fear by subversively threatening violence.

I actually can defend myself (but never felt a need to make that obvious).

On the next encounter, if he throws a punch, I guess I have two options...

1. Physically defend myself – will this cause the situation to escalate?

or

2. Walk away - will this confirm I am an easy target so it will be worse next time?