The professional atmosphere of a typical workplace setting can inhibit the direct and honest expression of emotions such as anger and frustration. Yet even in the most business-like environments, ...

Do you have a student who chronically procrastinates, sulks, underperforms, tests the spirit of class rules, and undermines your authority? Does this young person have a way of breaking every rule you ...

When a prickly comment comes wrapped in a smile, it's a bit harder to uncover Passive-aggressive behavior can make friendship confusing. One second, you’re clinking glasses of espresso martinis over ...

At a time when HR professionals and employers are facing challenges such as layoffs, quiet quitting and a potential recession, putting a check on employees' sarcasm, or the snarky tone of an email, ...

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"?

If you’ve ever dealt with a mother-in-law (or some other hard-to-please Patty!) who says something is "Totally fine!" when it clearly isn’t, been on the receiving end of the silent treatment, or been ...

Passive-aggressiveness is essentially fighting with someone else, but without directly inciting conflict. It’s a way to fight without admitting to your feelings so you can blame the other person when ...

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their ...

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 ...