Tips to deal with Passive-Agressive People

Avoid reactions

The first and foremost tip in dealing with a passive-aggressive person is not to react to their tactics. Simply compose yourself and keep your calm. Whenever you are going to react, their aim will be fulfilled (to frustrate you and get your matters out of your control). Remember that reacting to their behavior will empower them even further to put you down. Passive-aggressive people are internally angry and frustrated and when you react, their frustration is channeled consuming your precious energy.

Look into the cause

You should try to look for the causes of passive-aggressive behavior of a person. Some people adopt such attitude out of habit to get things on their side. Some people plan it intentionally against you and work on such attitude to ham your position. Whatever is the cause of such attitude, ensure to defuse it now and forever (well, ‘forever’ may not sound realist, but focus on ‘now’).

Maintain a distance

You would not want to get in an argument with a PA person. It is best to avoid them at all if possible unless you are in a personal or professional relationship with them. They are never going to be happy with you so quit trying to please them. They are never going to change their intentions about you so stop trying to correct them. Maintain a safe distance and avoid contact if not necessary.

Keep your attitude Honest

Be honest and make sure that you don’t use your own set of PA tactics. Instead, choose to be honest and focus on what’s right. Avoid gossip and address the real issue in a genuine manner (without exhibiting anger or over-reactions).

Stay in your ‘superior’ shell

Maintain a confident demeanor and sit quietly but gracefully when in a gathering. This will not only keep your grace but also make it harder for PA person to hurt your social position.

Use Humor

Sometimes, it is best to use humor as a situation diffuser. Everyone gets a chance to breathe some air and negative emotions disappear in no time.

Refuse to give into their resistance

When PA people refuse to cooperate, politely communicate the consequences to them. This will empower you to resolve the conflict while making them quit their resistance. They will come to the terms of the situation sooner or later.