You’ve probably experienced frustrating interactions that have made you feel tense and annoyed. It may have been when a coworker makes an off-putting comment, or you have a negative encounter with someone on the subway. When these situations arise, it’s common for people to react defensively. Their fight response goes up because their boundaries are being pushed, and this is why assertive communication skills are important to learn so you can speak your mind without becoming aggressive.
Aggressive communication is the expression of one’s individual needs and feelings in a coercive or demanding way that ignores the rights and feelings of others. It can also involve physical acts that hurt or inflict pain, like hitting and slapping. This is a type of communication that can be seen in many different relationships, including family, friends and romantic partners.
Often, an what is aggressive communication style develops in childhood as a result of being treated harshly. However, it can affect anyone and can cause problems in all areas of life, especially when used in a relationship. The good news is that there are ways to help a loved one with an aggressive communication pattern and to change your own.
When a person is passive-aggressive, they tend to express their needs and feelings in an indirect manner that can make them appear insensitive or selfish. This can cause them to hide their true emotions from those closest to them, and they can also blame others for the way they feel. The problem with this communication style is that it can lead to significant conflict in a relationship and even lead to serious consequences like domestic abuse.
Manipulative communication is when a person uses deceitful tactics to get their way in a relationship. This can include putting down their partner or being sarcastic and insulting. People who use manipulative communication will often use anger to mask their true feelings and may also escalate conversations into confrontations by yelling or making threats.
People who are aggressive communicators are not necessarily bad people, but they do need to improve their communication skills. They need to know how to recognize their own aggressive communication behaviors and work to replace these unhelpful actions with ones that will benefit everyone involved.
If you notice that your partner is using an aggressive communication style, it’s a good idea to seek professional guidance. A therapist can teach you healthy communication techniques that will help you to resolve conflict and maintain positive relationships with others. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you schedule an appointment. Just give us a call or fill out the form. We look forward to hearing from you!