Before we had gaslighting and narcissism, passive-aggressive behavior was considered a major faux pax. It still is and for good reason. But let's back up a second—what exactly is "passive aggression"?

Emily Laurence is a journalist, freelance writer and certified health coach living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She specializes in writing about mental health, healthy aging and overall wellness. For ...

We all come across people who appear very calm but who we can sense have anger and hostility beneath the surface. The show of calmness is an effort to subtly and discretely hide their real feelings.

Call it hostile cooperation, sugarcoated hostility, or compliant defiance. Call it all of the above. Passive aggression does not alternate between passive behavior and aggressive behavior, but rather ...