Passive aggression is a form of behavior in which a person expresses their negative emotions indirectly rather than openly. It can manifest in various situations, including personal relationships, the workplace, or social interactions.
Active Aggression vs. Passive Aggression.
During communication, people encounter different types of aggression. Active aggression is overt and provokes an immediate reaction—it includes yelling, fighting, and open hostility. Passive aggression, on the other hand, is much harder to recognize. It can take various forms and often remains unnoticed by the victim.
Examples of passive-aggressive behavior include ignoring someone, making sarcastic remarks, or delivering backhanded compliments.
The Origin of the Term “Passive Aggression”
The term “passive aggression” was introduced by psychiatrist William Menninger, who observed that some soldiers subtly resisted carrying out orders.
They would procrastinate, perform tasks poorly, or show resentment to avoid future assignments. In civilian life, passive aggression is commonly understood as suppressing anger while maintaining a socially acceptable facade.
It can appear in the form of sarcasm, manipulation, mockery, or even outright sabotage.
Aggressive Behavior, causes of passive.
This communication style often develops in childhood and is linked to low self-esteem, insecurity, and difficulties in expressing and managing emotions. A child may lack the courage to openly express dissatisfaction to adults or fear showing their emotions.
In such cases, they look for alternative ways to cope with negativity. Passive-aggressive behavior allows them to express their discontent while appearing to comply with expectations.
How to Recognize Passive Aggression and What to Do?
People with weak personal boundaries are more likely to adopt passive-aggressive behavior as a defense mechanism and a way to interact with others.
In adulthood, toxic behavior can take the following forms:
• Ignoring loved ones and their feelings
• Holding grudges for no reason
• Manipulation
Signs of Passive Aggression.
It is difficult to recognize passive aggression immediately, as it often hides behind:
• Jokes
• Sarcastic remarks
• Backhanded compliments
• Gifts with hidden meanings
A blatant example:
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine in an explosive televised Oval Office showdown and abruptly cut short a visit meant to coordinate a plan for peace.
In a fiery public confrontation unlike any seen between an American president and foreign leader in modern times, Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance castigated Mr. Zelensky for not being grateful enough for U.S. support in Ukraine’s war with Russia, and sought to strong-arm him into making a peace deal on whatever terms the Americans dictated.
This is a bad very bad!
Usually the victim (Zelensky) remains silent.
The victim usually responds with a smile or continues the conversation politely, not wanting to risk setting clear personal boundaries to protect themselves. If a conversation leaves you feeling hurt or irritated, this may indicate toxic communication from the other person.
Passive aggression is difficult to confront directly because, on the surface, nothing seems wrong. Socially acceptable behavior that causes anger, resentment, or frustration in others is also a form of passive aggression.
Examples of Passive Aggression.
A common example of passive-aggressive behavior is a compliment that contains a subtle insult. For example, the phrase “You look great today” may imply that the person usually does not look as good.
A gift with an underlying message is another example—such as giving a slim woman an anti-cellulite cream or shapewear. Sarcastic or ironic conversations rooted in anger or irritation also qualify as passive aggression.
In personal relationships, a passive-aggressive person often suppresses their resentment and ignores their partner’s feelings. During conflicts, they may shift all responsibility for relationship issues onto their partner, making them feel guilty.
Phrases like “Oh, whatever,” “I don’t want to talk to you,” or “Everything’s fine” are commonly used.
In the workplace, passive aggression can appear as failing to meet agreements or deliberately missing deadlines. This happens when an employee disagrees with a task but lacks the courage to express their discontent openly.
How to Deal with Passive Aggression.
The most effective approach is open dialogue and verbal conflict resolution.
If the aggressor realizes their tactics are ineffective and that the other person is willing to confront them directly, they may change their behavior or even decide to stop communicating altogether.
In romantic relationships, dealing with passive aggression may require not only open discussions but also professional counseling, especially if unresolved issues have accumulated over time.
Therapy can help partners learn to communicate without resorting to passive-aggressive tactics. In a work environment, handling toxic behavior can involve documenting all assigned tasks and deadlines.
Keeping a written record of business communications helps prevent manipulation and gaslighting, especially if deadlines continue to be missed. Written exchanges serve as concrete evidence of previous agreements.
Building communication free of passive aggression is entirely possible, though it requires effort. However, such interactions will ultimately bring more satisfaction and positive emotions.
Have Good Day!
I can’t help but watch this savage humiliation of Zelensky. Vile. A disgrace to the entire USA. How can a civilized Western country elect a president like Trump these days?
After leaving the White House, Mr. Zelensky tried to smooth over the rupture with a social media post aimed at Mr. Vance’s complaints about ingratitude. “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people,” he wrote, using the acronym for president of the United States.
In a later interview with Fox News, Mr. Zelensky refused to apologize to Mr. Trump, but expressed regret about the exchange and appreciation to the United States for its support. “We are thankful and sorry for this,” he said.
Passive aggression
Trump’s Remarks, Disparaging Comments on Zelensky
President Donald Trump has made a series of controversial remarks regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
These comments have ignited discussions surrounding political allegiance and international relations.
Trump’s characterization of Zelensky as a “dictator” and a “moderately successful comedian” reflects a broader narrative that Trump has cultivated during his political career, often aimed at delegitimizing opponents or foreign leaders he perceives as untrustworthy.
The context in which Trump’s remarks were made is crucial for understanding their implications. Following Zelensky’s election in 2019, he was often viewed as a reformist leader, coming into power with promises to tackle corruption in Ukraine and strengthen ties with the West.
However, Trump’s comments seemed to undermine this perception, suggesting an alternative view that casts doubt on Zelensky’s leadership capabilities.
By labeling Zelensky in such a disparaging manner, Trump not only questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine’s democratic processes but also risked straining the vital relationship between the United States and Ukraine—a relationship that has been historically important for both nations.
Analyzing Trump’s motivations reveals a layered strategy. His derogatory remarks may be seen as part of his broader efforts to manipulate foreign policy narratives, aligning with his populist messaging that favors an “America First” approach.
Such terminology and rhetoric could resonate with his base, framing Zelensky’s leadership as ineffective while portraying Trump himself as a more decisive leader.
Consequently, this approach not only affects public perception of Zelensky but also complicates the complex dynamics of American-Ukrainian relations, as it raises questions about U.S. support for Ukraine during times of crisis.
The choice of language in political discourse often has far-reaching effects, potentially impacting international alliances and the political landscape for years to come……
Ukrainians have bitter experience of the world being turned upside down. But US President Donald Trump’s determination to rehabilitate Russia through a peace deal over Ukraine’s head — a push that led to those angry exchanges with Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House on Friday — still confounds many.