…Bait

I don't know about you, but I do love fishing. Let me clarify: I love the idea of having a beer, good music, and great company while out on the water. That's what fishing means to me—good beer, a nice boat, a camera to try and capture nature, and the chance to go fish.

However, this time I'm not referring to actual fishing. Did you know there's a phrase called "rage bait"? It was chosen as Oxford's word of the year for 2025.

Exploring this concept reveals a situation many of us are familiar with: being manipulated, often starting from a young age by family members, and later by coworkers, partners, and others.

So how can we address these issues? In today's digital world, we might find ourselves used as bait—posting and reposting certain topics until we fall into the trap of "rage bait."

This can happen while driving, when road rage can be triggered. It can also occur at family gatherings, where arguments can escalate thanks to "rage fight bait."

I know it's challenging to be aware of all these traps, but remember, you don't have to take the bait. Be yourself. If you accidentally find yourself caught in the rage trap, remember—you can always break free, just like the stories of a man swallowed by a whale and later spit out. You, too, can escape that harmful rage trap.

Happy reading!