Passive aggression: how to recognize it and resolve conflicts

People who are unable to express their emotions directly often use covert aggression, which can negatively affect relationships with the interlocutor. SSPDaily has collected the most popular phrases indicating passive anger and shared tips to help resolve conflicts.

Learn to recognize the hidden signs

Aggressive phrases can often be disguised as seemingly innocent statements. To avoid misunderstandings, learn to recognize them. For example, watch out for the following phrases: "You just say that...," "You always...," or "You never...". These statements can indicate hidden aggression that needs to be addressed.

Suppose a partner says, "You never listen to me." Instead of defending yourself, say, "Maybe I misunderstood you. Let's think together about how we can improve our communication."

Show empathy and understanding

Do not respond with aggression to aggression. Try to smooth out the corners and take into account the feelings of the other person. This way, you will prevent a possible quarrel.

If you hear the phrase "You're very lazy and never help with the housework," respond with the following: "I understand that you have a lot of work to do, so let's divide the responsibilities evenly."

Talk about your feelings

Do not blame the other person, but share your own feelings and dissatisfaction. For example, instead of saying, "You're always late, and that's so disrespectful," say, "I get upset when I wait for you for a long time. Maybe we should work together to be more punctual?"