Behaving In Passive Aggressive

Understanding The Way A Person Behaves When They Are Suppressing Their Negative Feelings

In a child we would call it 'sulking or acting out'.
In adults, it is similar behavior that allows them to express their discontent in a way without displaying aggression

The Anger Smile

The Psychology of Passive Aggressive Behavior is defined
As a deliberate and masked way of expressing covert feelings of anger
(Long, Long & Whitson, 2008)

This happens in all environments when dealing with people in the home, office, friends, family, spouses, parents, children, etc and admittedly we are all guilty of doing it, until we become consciously aware what we are doing

Sugarcoated hostility is socially acceptable, it is easily rationalized and also considered sweet revenge

Whether it happens sometimes or some hardcore abusive individual who can make you feel like you are consistently on an emotional roller coaster

Being assertive and emotionally open is not always easy.
It is reasonable to have to use some of this behavior where displays of reaction and dignity are better to leave it for the right time and place

Some suggest that passive-aggressive behavior may stem from being raised in an environment where the direct expression of emotions was discouraged or not allowed
The Red Flags of passive-aggression behavior; sulking, backhanded compliments, procrastination, withdrawal, and refusal to communicate

Specific signs of passive-aggressive behavior include:
Resentment and opposition to the demands of others
Procrastination and intentional mistakes in response to others' demands
Cynical, sullen or hostile attitude
Frequent complaints about feeling underappreciated or cheated

Anytime anybody is rude, it makes me double-check my own behavior to make sure I don't do that to other people.
- Patricia Heaton

Passive-aggression might seem like a easy way to deal with emotions without having to confront the source of the anger
But knowing how to assert your feelings effectively can result in better resolutions

Refusing to talk things through to resolve the problem is both childish and infuriating
It is also highly destructive in any type of relationship because resentments on both sides will continue to simmer away like toxic waste

If they can't privately address you, then understand their Public Criticism is only for ATTENTION....Don't take it personal

Pay attention to what is going on, as you react to different people and situations to avoid engaging in meaningful conversations
Altering your patterns and reactions can take some time, minimize the potential damage to relationships


Quote for us

I choose to spend my time with people who have no hidden agenda, who don't use passive-aggressive behaviors, and who don't look for a reason to get offended.
- Barrie Davenport