Passive-aggressive behavior is a way of expressing negative feelings indirectly instead of openly addressing them. People who exhibit this behavior may appear cooperative on the surface but often undermine others through subtle actions, such as procrastination, sarcasm, or backhanded compliments. This can create confusion and frustration in relationships, as the true feelings are not openly communicated.
Common examples of passive-aggressive behavior include silent treatment, where someone ignores another person to express displeasure, or sullen behavior, where an individual may seem moody without explaining why. Understanding this behavior can help improve communication and resolve conflicts more effectively.