Passive-Aggressive people leave you feeling confused by what they're really trying to say.

Talking Points:

  • The Silent Treatment– When someone uses silence to let you know there is a problem instead of directly telling you.
  • Subtle Insults– A comment that leaves you wondering if whether or not you were just insulted, used to undermine your confidence.
  • Procrastinating on Purpose– Procrastination when it is used as a power tool of someone demonstrating they have control over your time.
  • Sabotage–  When a person deliberately messes something up for someone else, often under the guise of an accident.
  • Keeping Score– When someone keeps track of all the favors they’ve done for you and retaliates when you do not pay them back.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Review the types of passive aggressive behaviors. Which ones have you experienced? Have you ever found yourself doing any of these behaviors?
  3. What do you think are some of the motivations behind passive aggressive behaviors?
  4. How can passive aggressive behaviors demonstrate power dynamics? How does it affect the sense of control between two people?
  5. Do you think passive aggressiveness is a form of manipulation? Why or why not?
  6. What are some ways you can handle situations where someone is being passive aggressive? How can you make sure you avoid passive aggressive behaviors?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?