Have you ever left a mess that your significant other made alone on purpose to make a point? Or made a cryptic Facebook post about someone who has annoyed you without naming them?
Well, you’re exhibiting typical passive-aggressive behaviour and according to a new study from Florida State University, passive aggressive couples fare a lot worse than those who discuss or even argue about problems openly.
Tech Insider reports that at least if you are directly arguing, both parties know someone is bothered, but passive aggression from one person leaves the other confused as to what they did wrong, and whether there is even a problem to fix.
135 couples were tested in the study, and those who were direct about issues like money, sex, children and careers were happier than those who employed passive aggressive behaviours.
There are five types of passive aggression:
Withdrawal: Procrastinating, acting incompetent.
• Silent treatment: Giving one-word answers and otherwise making yourself unavailable.
• Off-line criticism: Cutting someone down to a third party.
• Sarcasm/critical jokes: Targeting someone with humor in a cruel fashion.
• Indirect violence: Slamming doors, being cruel to pets.
So, instead of a sarcastic remark or the silent treatment, it might be better just to face the problem head-on with your partner or friend.
Lead Image via YouTube/TheMovieChannel
