A lot of passive-aggressive communication comes from a difficulty with communicating assertively. It can be challenging for passive-aggressive people to share things they think might be received negatively.
They might find it difficult to:
- say ‘no’
- put boundaries in place
- give controversial feedback
- be disliked by others
- handle conflict
- lose other’s approval
Passive-aggressive aggression is a form of communication that is not clear and direct. In the long term, it creates distance and mistrust.
For example – asking your partner to do something they don’t want to do, and rather than saying they don’t want to do it, they hardly speak to you for three days.
If you recognise some of this behaviour in yourself, know that you can slowly start to shift into assertiveness with practice. See some of my earlier posts for ideas.
Much love on your healing journey.
Xx Jen