Is it possible to be passive and aggressive? Although this may seem contradictory, the passive-aggressive person does not show his hostility openly, but indirectly, using strategies that demoralize and irritate the other, but end up controlling him.
This particular mixture of non-confrontational hostility makes passive-aggressive conduct confusing and therefore difficult to combat. There are several reasons why passive-aggressive chooses to use indirect tactics, but not because of that, they are less harmful or exhausting.
- Passive-aggressive behavior is an indirect way of expressing negative emotions.
- Through the following strategies:.
? Antagonism: this attitude is constantly being against the desires and desires of others.
? A distant, absent and antisocial attitude: although the person is physically, mentally and emotionally present, is elsewhere or protesting in one way or another, he demonstrates it with his nonverbal language, establishing little eye contact, having an apathetic attitude or responding monosyllabically, among other similar behaviors.
? Victim attitude: Passive-aggressive constantly complains and plays the role of sacrificing so that others feel compassion for him and like him.
? Procrastination: Involves leaving tasks or commitments at the last minute, causing discomfort and stress in you and others.
? Voluntary mistakes: Passive-aggressive does things carefree and deliberately makes mistakes, to express his displeasure.
There are different reasons that can cause passive-aggressive driving, illustrated by typical situations:
? The dominant part of the couple: when one member of the couple imposes judgment on the other, it is likely that the latter, if not so assertive, will show his displeasure at lack of interest or lack of cooperation in the shared tasks.
? Authoritarian parents: If the parent’s style is “military,” children can even obey them, but complaining and obeying orders in half.
? The tyrannical chief: if employees may not dare to face an exploitative boss without regard, they will take revenge on delays and mistakes at work.
? The political family: typical situations, such as that of the mother-in-law who does not like her daughter-in-law or vice versa, produce tensions that are often expressed indirectly, through two-way comments, attitudes of disdain and rudeness, to avoid conflict.
In this situation, it is important to know that reported behavior is a clear form of manipulation and control, and that it is up to us not to fall into this game, here are some strategies to avoid it:
? Don’t be impressed: the ugly face, indifference and lack of cooperation are signs that should not go unnoticed, on the contrary, you have to face them with confidence as soon as possible.
? To give an example: if we express our negative emotions in a timely and assertive manner, we help generate open communication that avoids toxic behaviors, such as passive-aggressive behaviors.
? Avoiding dominant and oppressive behaviors: one of the main triggers of passive-aggressive behavior is authoritarianism, so it is preferable to provide an opportunity for dialogue and open communication, even in case of negative emotions.
Although we are not always able to express our emotions directly and sometimes all behave passively aggressively, the problem arises when established as a communication model, so it is important to affirm and express what we feel, as well as let others feel free to express their emotions.