Passive aggression is the indirect resistance and avoidance of direct confrontation.
Basically, it means that passive-aggressive people often express their feelings in a sneaky way. They do this to steer clear of direct confrontations.

The way they choose to do that is through a particular tone and voice.
“For someone with your experience that should be very difficult” is a perfect example.
Another approach is using a provocative smile.

Ignoring others is one of the most common passive-aggressive behaviors people tend to use.

Why are they doing that?

In my opinion there are two main reasons why people are using passive aggression.

1. They are afraid of direct confrontation.

2. They try to manipulate others to react in a certain way.

Often, people who act passive-aggressively think they're being clever and can outsmart those around them. They might even feel a bit superior because of it.

Here is how to beat them with their own weapons.

How to handle it

1. Recognize

2. Use humor

3. Direct communication

4. De-escalate or disengage
   

Recognize:
The first step to protect yourself from certain behaviors is to recognize what's happening. Passive-aggressive actions can vary significantly from person to person, making them sometimes difficult to identify. Some individuals might use provocative language, subtly undermining your confidence or attempting to provoke a reaction.
Others might resort to giving you the silent treatment, withdrawing communication to express their displeasure or to manipulate the situation. These behaviors can be confusing and emotionally draining, but either way, it's crucial to be aware of these signs.

Use humor:
Using humor at the right moment can really help ease tension and shine a light on passive-aggressive behavior. When someone exhibits passive-aggressive actions, it can create an uncomfortable atmosphere and lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. People might get defensive or feel attacked when their passive-aggressive actions are pointed out directly, which can escalate the situation further.
However, a bit of humor can quickly put those feelings to rest.

Direct communication:
Dealing with passive aggression can be tricky, but the best approach is to be straightforward and transparent in your interactions.
Passive aggression often manifests as indirect resistance, procrastination, or subtle undermining, which can be challenging to address head-on.
However, by maintaining a clear and direct line of communication, you can mitigate misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of passive-aggressive behavior escalating.

When you find yourself in situations where passive aggression is present, try to communicate your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly.

De-escalate or disengage:
When you show how to communicate openly and encourage the passive-aggressive person to help find a solution, you're setting the stage for positive change in your relationship. These talks can really improve things, especially if the passive-aggressive person feels unheard or ignored.
Remember, the only person you can truly change is yourself. So, make sure to clearly express what actions you'll take if the passive-aggressive behavior continues. This helps you avoid getting stuck in a blame game and gives you a clear sense of your boundaries with that person.

If the tips mentioned earlier aren't doing the trick, it might be a good idea to start cutting back on the time you spend with that person.

Just a little reminder: it's not solely your responsibility to make the relationship work. If you’ve pointed out someone’s passive-aggressive behavior and they keep doing it, they might not be ready to change.
Your mental well-being matters, so look for connections that reciprocate your efforts and flourish with open, honest communication – they do exist, I promise.

In conclusion

Passive aggression is something we all encounter. Some folks might choose to ignore you or the requests you make, while others might use a certain tone or language to provoke you. It's their way of sidestepping direct confrontation. Try not to get drawn in or let it make you upset.

Understanding what's happening is the first step to protecting yourself from passive aggression. If you can, try using humor to lighten the mood.
Use their tactics against them by being straightforward in your communication. It's usually best to try and calm things down if you can, but don't hesitate to step back and walk away if the situation just isn't worth it.

Ultimately, your mental health is what truly matters, and you should never compromise it for anyone else.

Thank you for reading.