I have to admit, there are few people on this earth with whom I do not get along. I generally work through conflicts before they become full-fledged arguments and I prefer doing it in person because I am an adamant believer in personal contact. However, there is one kind of person that is impossible for me to discuss anything in a calm manner with, and that is the passive-aggressive person.
As of late, it seems this particular brand of human being has crossed my path in high frequency, and being the direct gal I am, I struggle to work with these people.
First, it seems they prefer using digital mediums to communicate their frustrations. I have seen Facebook, e-mail and Twitter used in instances of passive aggressive behavior and it made me wonder: why the internet? It is definitely safer and less personal, but if there are grievances to air, I find it more satisfying to do in person.
Also, I go on these sites to read the dumb stuff my friends did over the weekend, not to get yelled at for something I did not even know was a problem, in a tone that is more confusing than putting together an end table from Ikea.
Speaking of tone, passive-aggressive tone is best translated through writing. Because it avoids personal contact, writing, particularly on the Internet, is the best way for them to let out their feelings. However, the problem is that if you are not passive-aggressive, it is impossible to respond. Getting a passive aggressive e-mail is like getting a buffalo dropped on your lap. You are temporarily trapped and have no logical way to proceed.
I, however, have mastered dealing with the passive aggressive Internet attack. Kill them with kindness. Seriously, they are expecting a scathing e-mail that is as bitter as a Republican trapped in San Francisco, but when you respond with sugary sweetness, it will blow their minds. Their passive-aggressive tendencies will temporarily malfunction, and, with just a simple thanks or please, you will shut down their ability to say anything further.
So while I admit that passive-aggressive people are awful to deal with, kindness, much like a sandwich or a long nap, can combat a multitude of attitude problems.
