Examples of passive aggressive behaviour

sugar coated hostility

A constant feeling that you are being thwarted and/or feeling frustrated when in their company. Their company can be exhausting. They do not have the skills to be assertive and be straight forward either to lack of confidence or because they believe that they are powerless..so they go about affecting others in a subtle underhanded manner. This often stems from a childhood where parents were authoritarian and children were not allowed to have opinions, disagree with their parents and weren’t seen as little people with rights who deserve their own level of respect.

They act bored when you talk to them, yawn, sing along to music etc

Often use ‘humour’ to disguise their true feelings. Then when you react you are being too sensitive.

Never admit any fault. When you get angry at their insensitivity, you are told to “chill out and calm down” – as if you are in the wrong. It’s never their fault.

A normal balanced person would not want to upset others whereas passive aggressive thrive on upsetting others as it makes them feel powerful and in control to know they can ruffle your feathers and have an emotional impact upon others.

They are unable to meet your emotional needs. It’s all about them getting what they want. They’re not very good at give and take in a relationship.

Passive aggressives will find ways to frustrate you, whether it’s taking ages to get somewhere when they know you’re in a hurry or whether it’s promising you something that never comes to fruition, they are masters at making you feel as if you are going crazy. Self doubt often begins when spending time with a passive aggressive person.

withholding praise

criticism

sabotage

set limits,

Author: Mandy Kloppers

Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.