Imagine: You’re having a good day. Your outfit looks good. Your hair is behaving. You know you nailed that essay you just turned in. Nothing could possibly darken this bright and happy day here on the Hilltop.
Insert: The Passive Aggessive Person. Maybe it’s an off handed comment or and obviously pointed text. Whatever the method, in one swift move this girl has gotten under your skin and ruined you mood. You might be tempted to make a snide comment back or, conversly, alter your whole day to resolve the criticism but really that doesn’t solve the true problem: Someone needs to fix their attitude and it (more than likely) is not you.
Especially now that we’re past the roommate honeymoon phase, I’m sure we can all make a long list of passive aggressive people we’d rather do without. Unfortunately, the semester is far from over and we all need to find away to make due until our paths are freed from this unwated tension. Here’s a short list of tip on how to not let passive aggressive vibes get you down.
Courtsey of troll.me
1. Watch your tongue.
Yes, you are probably at the reiceivng end of some misguided ill will. It’s not fair and you don’t need to accept it but think through how you respond. Passive aggressive people will escalate at the slightest sense of criticism or aggression. You’ll be happy if you keep calm and mature rather than letting them get to you. Avoid emotions and stick to the factucal parts of the conversation.
2. Empathize
Channel your inner Miss America and international diplomat. There is a reason that who ever this terror is is acting this way. Maybe her week is really stressful. Maybe her turtle died. Who knows! Try and find it in yourself to let it go and forgive because more than likely, your bad week is coming and you’ll need someone to forgive for a misdirected “That’s sounds great.” Karma: you can only pay if forward.
3. Be direct
Maybe you are constantly in close proximity to a habitually passive-aggressive person. Short of transfering, you may not have an easy way to put distance in between you and her. Remain calm and address the issue. With about being accusatory, ask her why her attitude is the biggest thing in the room at all times. Please remember that in all confrontations, politeness and compassion are keys to success. Even if she doesn’t fully change, she’ll respect that you aren’t willing to be walked all over and be more aware of how she acts around you.
4. Don’t take it personally
Ultimately, this is not your fault. It is so easy to let passive aggressive comments weigh you down but, for your own mental health, you have to realize that someone is projecting thier own stress / frustrations / issuses on to you. As long as you’re doing your best and not trying to bring other people down, you’re on a good path. You can’t make everyone happy especially people who can only communicate in tense and pointless put downs.
Courtsey of awesomelyluvvie.com
Feature Image: Courtsey of memecrunch.com