Before we had gaslighting and narcissism, passive-aggressive behavior was considered a major faux pax. It still is and for good reason. But let's back up a second—what exactly is "passive aggression"?

We all come across people who appear very calm but who we can sense have anger and hostility beneath the surface. The show of calmness is an effort to subtly and discretely hide their real feelings.

Have you ever had to deal with a sarcastic co-worker? Or maybe you've asked your colleagues for feedback only to find later that they gossiped or spread rumors behind your back. Seventy percent of ...

Few topics that I write about garner as much interest, attention, and emotion as that of passive-aggressive behavior. Among the most frequently asked questions about this universally frustrating way ...

Amber had been giving her mother the silent treatment all week. She was angry about not being allowed to sleep over at a friend’s house. Late Thursday night, she left a note on her mother’s pillow, ...

Tension: We fear direct confrontation but also crave honesty and respect in our interactions. Noise: Conventional wisdom says we should ignore subtle digs or respond in kind—neither solves the deeper ...

Most of us have an inner dialogue, that little voice in our heads that crystallizes what we think about what’s happening around us, or to us. And for years, researchers have found benefits to using ...

One of the most classic passive-aggressive moves is giving someone the silent treatment. By withholding communication, you ...

Picture it: Your co-worker, who you normally get along with, avoided you at lunch, then grunted when you offered to grab him a coffee. He's clearly annoyed at you, but won't address it. This is ...

Some of the most challenging conversations we have are with our own family members. All, too often, we can treat friends and acquaintances, even total strangers, with more respect than we treat our ...