Feeling various emotions is a normal part of human nature. Positive emotions like joy and happiness are easily shared and celebrated with others. However, negative emotions, driven by fear and negativity, can be challenging to communicate in a healthy way, especially when conflict resolution is the goal. This difficulty often leads to the suppression of negative emotions to maintain peace.
But, these suppressed emotions don't disappear; they simply lie in wait, eventually finding a way to express themselves, often through aggression. Aggression can take two forms – passive-aggression or active aggression. Though both forms of aggression are damaging, they differ in expression and impact.
Active Aggression
Active aggression refers to the overt expression of anger, disapproval, or hostility. It can manifest in intimidation, bullying (either verbally or non-verbally), coercion, or attempts to tarnish another's reputation with lies. Active aggression can occur in any setting – among family, friends, or at work, and is evident whenever a person exerts dominance to incite fear or intimidation for personal gain.
Examples of Actively Aggressive Behaviors:
- Using physical violence to cause harm.
- Employing verbal hostility and abuse.
- Threatening or blackmailing to compromise someone's safety.
- Spreading false stories to damage another's reputation.
- Publicly mocking someone to cause humiliation.
Passive-Aggressive Behavior
Passive-aggressive behavior, though driven by similar negative emotions as active aggression, is expressed more subtly and indirectly. The aim is still to assert dominance over another person, but it's done covertly, making it more manipulative and hurtful.
The causes and expression of passive-aggressive behavior often consider certain factors due to its covert nature. Sometimes, it's used as a means to prevent a relationship from disintegrating completely.
Despite harboring ill feelings, a person can express their hostility through passive-aggressive behaviors without feeling responsible unless their actions are pointed out.
Examples of Passive-Aggressive Behaviors:
- Ignoring someone or not responding when spoken to.
- Consistently procrastinating or failing to complete assigned tasks.
- Giving backhanded compliments to subtly insult someone.
- Deliberately setting someone up for failure.
- Constantly complaining about being misunderstood, underappreciated, or unfairly treated.
Conclusion
No matter how negative our emotions towards others are, they never justify any form of hostility, whether active or passive. Acting on anger in ways that can harm or intentionally hurt others is not commendable. There are always healthier ways to express negative emotions.
If you or someone you know struggles with expressing negative emotions healthily, professional help is available. No one should go through life unable to handle their negative emotions in a healthy and productive way.
