Yes, it is possible for people to pretend that you're a bad person to alleviate their feelings of guilt about the things they did to you. This psychological phenomenon is known as "rationalization" or "self-justification." When individuals engage in harmful behavior towards others, they might experience cognitive dissonance - a state of mental discomfort that arises when their actions contradict their beliefs or values.
To reduce this discomfort, some people resort to rationalizing their actions by painting the other person as deserving of mistreatment or blame. By convincing themselves that you are a bad person, they can shift the responsibility and guilt away from themselves and justify their hurtful behavior. This is a defense mechanism used to protect their self-image and avoid facing the consequences of their actions.
It's essential to be aware of this possibility when dealing with conflicts or difficult situations. It's not always easy to confront someone who is projecting their guilt onto you, but recognizing this behavior can help you maintain your self-esteem and understand that their negative perception of you may not be based on reality.
In some cases, open communication and reflection may help both parties come to terms with their actions and find a path towards resolution and personal growth. However, if the person continues to project blame onto you without taking responsibility for their actions, it may be necessary to distance yourself from such toxic dynamics for your well-being.