While most people know what direct aggression looks like, sometimes people display aggression indirectly.
You’ve probably met someone who falls into the latter categoryaka someone who’s passive-aggressive.
What does it mean to be passive-aggressive?
“Essentially, you ‘hide’ your little acts of violence in plain sight.
This makes passive-aggression uniquely insidious and destructive.”
Sure, maybe they’re just being lazy.
Ghosting
Munoz tells mbg thatghostingis a classic passive-aggressive behavior.
Being late
Oftentimes, passive-aggressive people will repeatedly arrive late, Munoz notes.
Cullins adds that this can look like procrastinating, as well.
Silence
Silence can be very passive-aggressive in certain contexts.
As Cullins says, silence anytime a response is warranted can count as passive-aggression.
Patronizing
Sarcasm
Sarcasm, too, is passive-aggressive in certain contexts, according to Munoz.
Backhanded compliments
Cullins and Munoz both tell mbg backhanded compliments are very passive-aggressive.
This behavior can also be considerednegging, which is actually a form ofmanipulation.
Really, any behavior that expresses negative feelings without directly stating them is passive-aggressive, she adds.
Where passive-aggression comes from.
So, why are people passive-aggressive?
How to deal with passive-aggressive people.
She suggests questions like:Can you repeat what you just said?
“Or you might simply say, ‘What exactly do you mean by that?’
When you do this, you’re challenging them to notice their words and actionsand how they affect you.
“The point isn’t to take a stab at make anyone admit they’ve been passive-aggressive.
From there, they have a chance to understand their own motives and feelings, and so will you.
And according to Cullins, it can also be worthwhile to double-check the person knows what passive-aggression looks like.
The bottom line.
When it happens, don’t be afraid to call it out.
And if it continues with no sign of improvement, they’re probablynot someone you want in your life.
