What Is Passive Aggressive Behavior?

Passive aggressive behavior is a form of covert abuse. Unlike physical abuse or even verbal abuse, covert abuse is much more subtle, veiled or disguised by actions that appear to be normal. According to About.com Divorce Support Guide Cathy Meyer, the passive aggressive person is a master at covert abuse, but when confronted with their behavior can be sincerely surprised that they have been driving everyone around them nuts.

Like alcoholics, passive aggressive personalities are usually attracted to codependents.

In her article, Passive Aggressive Behavior, a Form of Covert Abuse, Meyer describes in detail the most common passive aggressive behaviors, including:

• Ambiguity
  
• Forgetfulness
  
• Blaming
  
• Lack of anger
  
• Fear of dependency
  
• Obstructionism
  
• Victimization
  
• Procrastination

Meyer also explains what it's like being in a relationship with a passive aggressive, how to confront a passive aggressive, and why the passive aggressive develops the behavior in the first place.

More Information:
Passive Aggressive Behavior, a Form of Covert Abuse

Questions for Families:

• Are You Troubled by Someone's Drinking?
  
• Are You Enabling an Alcoholic or Addict?
  
• Did You Grow Up With a Problem Drinker?
  
• Domestic Abuse Screening Quiz
  
• Adult Child Screening Quiz
  

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