First published: 9 September 2022 @ 6:00 pm
Passive-aggressive behavior is a way of expressing dissatisfaction and annoyance with a particular situation or event.
Most times, the passive-aggressive person uses this behavior to protect their feelings.
Here are 5 signs of a passive-aggressive person:
1. Negative and vague feedback
You know that the passive-aggressive person is giving you negative feedback, but they never give specifics about what exactly is wrong with you.
Instead, they use vague words such as “you are lazy” or “you don’t care about the team” to let you know that something is wrong.
In a toxic workplace, you will probably find passive-aggressive behavior. This is because passive-aggressive people lack feedback and speak in vague terms.
This type of response is a way of saying no without having to say it directly. The passive-aggressive person is simply protecting their feelings.
2. “Spiteful” behavior
Negative feelings about another person can be difficult to express, especially if you don’t want to hurt their feelings.
Spiteful behavior is one way of expressing negative feelings. It is often used to punish the other person or in a way that they can’t see.
People who are passive-aggressive will often be spiteful in their actions and words.
They may make a comment about another person behind their back, gossip about them to others, or even create negative comments about them on social media.
Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash.
3. Personal attacks
Personal attacks usually fuel behavior patterns of passive-aggressive people. This can take the form of verbal attacks, social exclusion, or passive-aggressive behaviors.
Many passive-aggressive people will try to manipulate others into doing what they want.
They may act passive and withdrawn, but the underlying goal is to get others to do their bidding.
They can do this through direct communication or subtle manipulation tactics.
One reason many people exhibit passive-aggressive behavior is because they don’t feel accountable for their actions.
Many times, this is a way of expressing their frustrations with authority figures, which may include parents, teachers, bosses, or friends.
Click on the next page to learn more signs of passive-aggressive people!