How to Cope With Passive Aggressive Bullies

Interacting with apassive-aggressiveperson is complicated. Most of the time, their actions are complex, confusing, and used as a way of coping with stress, anxieties, and insecurities. Passive aggressive people often deny that they are hurt, angry, or offended. Yet, they will lash out at you in subtle and puzzling ways.

For instance, they may give people thesilent treatment, ostracize people from the group, use passive violence like slamming books or doors, or engage in subtle forms of relational aggression. But the person on the receiving end has no idea why this behavior is happening. After all, the passive-aggressive person denied they were even angry.

Many times, passive-aggressive people are sarcastic, even when sarcasm is an inappropriate response. And when confronted about their mean behavior, they will pass it off as a joke often accusing the victim of being too sensitive.

Consequently, they prey on people who are afraid of conflict or who engage in people-pleasing. By doing so, they don't have to be honest about their feelings or take responsibility for their actions, but they can still express their hostilities without ever having a real fight.

Common Passive Aggressive Behaviors

It's not always easy to spot this type of bully. Some passive aggressive bullies sabotage others quietly when no one is watching and then act innocent when confronted.

Others will be sullen and argumentative. The irony is that beneath this bully's exterior lies lowself-esteem, feelings of insecurity and inadequacy and an inability to express anger in a healthy way.

They also believe others are holding them to unreasonable standards when they are confronted. Here are some behaviors that will help you identify passive aggressive people.

Deny the Truth

The passive-aggressive people rarely says what they are really thinking, which can be confusing for people on the receiving end. For instance, when a passive aggressive mean girl is confronted about acting mean, she will feign innocence or deny that she was cruel even though her actions say something completely different.

Blame Others

Passive-aggressive people rarely take responsibility for their actions. If they don't blame you for what happened, then they will blame their teacher, their boss, and even the weather.

Passive aggressive people cannot accept that they are at fault. If something happens, it has to be someone else’s fault. As a result, they engage in minimization andvictim-blamingon a regular basis.

Send Mixed Messages

Passive-aggressive people hide their resentment about being asked to do something by being accommodating. As a result, they may agree to do something but really are angry about having been asked to do.

To relieve some of their resentment, they may give the person making the request the silent treatment. Or, they may talk about the person and even spread rumors or gossip. Other times, they may simply never follow through with what was requested.

Stuff Their Anger

Passive-aggressive people rarely show anger. Instead, they stuff it down inside. They may even appear happy and accommodating on the outside most of the time.

By doing so, they are letting out some of their anger without ever admitting that they are upset. The passive-aggressive person often feels treated unfairly. They also feel taken advantage of and resentful.

As a result, it is not uncommon for passive aggressive bullies to engage in victim-thinking. If someone gets upset because of something they did, then in their mind that person is bullying them. They never seen themselves as a bully.

Have Boundary Issues

Passive-aggressive people tend to lack boundaries and gravitate toward others without boundaries. As a result, they often make those who are conflict-averse the focal point of their hostilities by creating drama.

Coping With Passive Aggressive People

Confronting a passive-aggressive person at school or at work requires honesty. Calling the behavior out with no apologies and setting boundaries is essential. Remember, passive aggressiveness is a form of hostility and should be treated as such.

What’s more, passive-aggressive people do not openly discuss issues that may be bothering them. As a result, when confronted they may make inappropriate remarks and mumble under their breath.

Here are some other ways to overcome the negative effect of dealing with passive aggressiveness.

Be Direct

When dealing with a passive-aggressive person,be assertiveand clear about your expectations. You also want to establish boundaries where needed. Make sure everything you say is factual and not emotional. Being clear and level-headed are the best defenses against a passive aggressive person.

Control Your Response

Focus on staying calm, keeping your voice neutral and holding your emotions in check. The less you react to their actions, the less control they have over you. Remind yourself that while you cannot keep a passive-aggressive person from slamming doors and pouting, you can only control your response. Respond in a healthy way to theirunhealthy behaviors.

Recognize You Cannot Change Them

While confronting passive-aggressive bullies about their behavior is a positive first step, there is no guarantee the person will accept what you are saying. Instead, focus on what you can do to improve the situation like setting boundaries or communicating honestly about how their actions affect you.

Avoid Getting Offended

Remind yourself that a passive-aggressive person’s anger stems from their background and is not your responsibility. You do not have to appease the passive-aggressive person. Stick to what you know is right regardless of theirunderhandednessor demands.

Be Empathetic

It's challenging to be compassionate andempathetictoward someone that is so difficult to be around. But in the end, it can be very effective. You could say something like: “It seems like you're frustrated by what happened at practice yesterday. That must be difficult.”

Remember, passive-aggressive people feel misunderstood. So, if you try to understand where they are coming from, it can go a long way in helping you cope with their behaviors.