Passive-aggressive behavior can manifest itself in a number of different ways. Some examples include: You ask them to do something and they tell you they will, but they drag their feet, never wind up doing it, or give you a sarcastic response.
Examples of passive-aggression are playing the game of emotional “get-back” with someone by resisting cooperation with them, giving them the “silent treatment,” pouting or whining, not so accidentally “forgetting” something they wanted you to do because you're angry and didn't really feel like obliging them, etc.
In fact, fake politeness is rated as the worst example of passive-aggressive behavior, according to 24% of respondents. Other behaviors ranking among the worst include fake or feigned innocence (17%) and weaponized kindness (14%).
“That never happened.” Making you doubt your memory or reality is a covert, passive-aggressive tactic of gaslighting, Sarkis says. Telling someone that something didn't happen is a common phrase that downplays someone's experiences and feelings.
Passive-aggressiveness is a behavior where people tend to avoid direct conflict and express their anger indirectly through sulking, procrastination, withdrawal, stubbornness, controlling, and sabotaging tasks (1).
Specific signs of passive-aggressive behavior include: Resentment and opposition to the demands of others, especially the demands of people in positions of authority. Resistance to cooperation, procrastination and intentional mistakes in response to others' demands. Cynical, sullen or hostile attitude.
They often include backhanded compliments or phrases with latent anger or derision. Phrases can include, “Fine, whatever,” or “Oh, I was only kidding, you're so sensitive about things.” Another example is saying something rude or aggressive but prefacing it by saying, “I don't mean to be rude, but…”
Sulking, backhanded compliments, procrastination, withdrawal, and refusal to communicate are all passive-aggressive behaviors. When the other person begins acting in such a way, try to keep your anger in check. Instead, point out the other person's feelings in a way that is non-judgmental, yet factual.
Passive-aggressive personality disorder, also called negativistic personality disorder, is characterized by procrastination, covert obstructionism, inefficiency and stubbornness.
Passive-aggressive examples
Some examples include: Your partner did something to upset you. Instead of explaining how they hurt your feelings, you give them the silent treatment. When they ask what's wrong, you avoid conflict by saying, 'I'm fine,' and bottling up your feelings.
The silent treatment can often be used when the person doesn't have the tools to respond differently. When faced with the triggering of strong feelings, they may not know what else to do — so they go quiet. It can also be a passive-aggressive response to avoid directly communicating how (hurt) they feel.
The good news is that there is a way to stop this behavior, both in ourselves and in others. The key is to remember this six-word phrase: "Attack the problem, not the person."
Main signs you're dealing with a manipulative person
Some signs of a manipulative person may include: persistent excessive attention, love, and flattery. persistence despite boundaries. time pressure (to get you to act)
Major Passive-Aggressive Texting Move: Replying “K”
It signals “sure, I'll do it/pretend to be okay with it, but I'm really not, and I'm telling you that.” Major passive-aggressive texting move, especially when you combine it with a period.
Someone living with narcissistic personality disorder may tend to resent when others don't give them the status or importance they think they deserve. This may lead them to hold grudges for a long time. One of the ways covert narcissists may express this resentment is by using silent treatment.
Passive-aggressive personality disorder (PAPD) causes people to express negative feelings and emotions subtly or passively rather than directly. This often creates a contradiction between what they say and do.
Social exclusion: Be direct
You might only find out after the event through gossip or social media. Leaving someone out is sneaky but deliberate. The person doesn't want to confront you, but they want you to feel isolated. You can annoy passive-aggressors like this by direct confrontation.
Passive-Aggressive Behavioral Causes
It might not have felt safe for them to directly express their feelings as a child. But people can also pick up this behavior as adults. They may act this way because it helps them get what they want. They may do it to avoid confrontation.
Gaslighting statements and accusations are usually based on blatant lies, or exaggeration of the truth. Passive-aggressiveness can be defined as anger or hostility in disguise, expressed in underhanded ways to exercise power, control, and deception, with the hopes of "getting away with it.”
Because they are indirect about their thoughts and feelings, their intentions are not clear. Stefan Falk, a leadership consultant who studies workplace psychology, says passive-aggressive behavior “destroys value, as well as pollutes the work environment.”
To compensate for one's inability to speak directly and solve problems assertively, a passive-aggressive individual may resort to covert means of manipulation, domination, and control in order to gain leverage. In a twisted way, one feels more powerful by agitating, frustrating, disappointing, and/or failing others.