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Passive Aggressive? Please Don’t

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

Just to totally contradict this whole article, I’m going to come right out and say it: I HATE passive aggressive behavior. Hate it. If you’ve ever experienced any of the following things, I feel for you and I will keep you in my prayers. If you’ve ever done any of the following things, please kindly get hit by the Comm. Ave. bus.  

Read Receipts

Seriously, why? What is the purpose of read receipts? Besides being an as*h*** and letting people know that you’re ignoring them. It’s an uncomfortable black hole that holds all the excuses of “Sorry, I didn’t see your text,” and “The text must have not gone through.” It’s the virtual cold shoulder of technology and it should be banned.

 

“I’m sorry you feel that way.”

For the record, this phrase does not count as an apology. Not even close. You should really just instead say, “IDFWU.” Obviously doesn’t help mend the situation, but it’s more direct than the first option. The indirect nature of passive aggression is maddening.

Subtweeting

Not sure if anyone still does this ludicrous behavior, but if you do, deactivate your Twitter account immediately. Angst-y lyrics, a colorful array of emojis, or ellipses all count as violations. No one will text you and ask, “Are you ok?” because you just look like a 6th grade pre-teen who’s mad at her brother.  

Kitchen Smackdown

Any kind of sticky note suggesting cleaning of counters, taking out trash, or cleaning dishes should be strictly prohibited. Sticky notes are the bread and butter of passive aggressive people. 3M didn’t invent the glorified Post-It note for you to put all your anger into a carefully crafted, and strategically placed (on the dirty dishes), piece of paper.

“It’s not a big deal, but…”

Don’t sugarcoat your utter annoyance with this wimpy line. This phrase will confuse the hell out of people. If it’s not a big deal, why are you bringing it up? If it is a big deal, why did you even say that? …..!!!!  

Being passive aggressive is the absolute worst thing you can be. Besides being a Nickelback fan. You can’t actually get your anger out and you end up pissing off everyone else around you. Just don’t do it.

 

Photo Source:

http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/08/turn-off-your-read-receipts-now-a-plea.html

http://patience-crabstick.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-gift-of-gifs.html

http://www.hercampus.com/school/wisconsin/ode-subtweet

http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2013/10/29/28-brilliant-notes-from-housemates/

http://tilelifestyle.com/gif-journey-diy-project-crafting/

http://www.collegehumor.com/post/6976228/10-notes-from-the-passive-aggressive-hall-of-fame

Born and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Kelly is a Senior at Boston College studying Communications and Marketing. She loves the fashion and beauty industries. She's had lots of experience with women and their tastes, given her all-girls high school background. At BC, she's involved in Strong Women Strong Girls, Student Admissions Program, and is an account management intern for Hill Holliday . When she catches a break, Kelly spends an obscene amount of time on Buzzfeed, rewatching Breaking Bad on Netflix, and attempting to workout.
Niloufar is a senior at Boston College, majoring in French and English.