General Advice

I've gotten away from 'trapping' almost entirely. I will only trap with 1st or 2nd nuts. This advice would not help you with the AQ situation you just told me about, however. Not much would help you with that destruction, save a good live read.
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Your only source of reads online are the bets folks make. Your table image is based on the bets you make. Early in the game, when I start betting, I want folks to understand that I am willing, and anxious to go allin, and with great hands: AA, KK, QQ, AK, JJ, and Ax suited. I will play aggressively with TT-77, and Kx suited + A(highcard) I play tight, which keeps me out of a lot of hands, and preserves my stack. When I get into a pot, at minimum, I will do a simple raise. So when I do get in a pot, at any time, I'll move-in with my stack, which should be a scary thing.

I'll also drop a good hand when an unfavorable flop comes out - 3 Flush or straight on board, esp low, where small connectors could complete my demise.

I'll drop against hard bets, but not against maniacs playing like dumbasses, though you must realize even they get a hand every once in a while as well.

This sets up the end game, should I get that far.

Later on, when I need some money, I can take a risk and scare out the more active players who recognize what I do in a pot. Heads up, or maybe just prior, I switch up and go maniac, getting into every hand with even 72off, using every tool in the book to win that hand. Maybe a lose a hand on purpose to get more action, and then playing tight and snag a great hand soon after.

The common thread here is Aggression, aggression, aggression.