Passive aggressive behavior can be one of the most frustrating behaviors that happens between partners. In the extreme, it can end some relationships.

Some examples are when one partner promises to do something and then complains when their spouse or partner ask them to follow thru. It can be as small as cleaning out the kitty litter to as important as paying the mortgage. The passive aggressive person will often find a way to make the partner pay an emotional price for asking that they follow thru.

Passive aggressive people are typically hypersensitive and often feel they are being unfairly criticized.

Couples need to know that they can depend on one another. When one partner is passive aggressive, it weakens the trust in the relationship. The other partner is often not sure if they can depend on their spouse or partner.

Some early family environments that can cause passive aggressive behavior are highly critical parents. When a parent is difficult to please or unjustly criticizes a child, the child will often develop passive aggressive coping mechanisms. A person who has experienced many painful disappointments in life will sometimes develop coping behavior that restricts expectations, hopes and desires.

Couples Counseling can help a couple talk about the passive aggressive behavior in a safe environment. Therapy will assist the couple in examining the impact of the behavior on their relationship.

Jeannette York, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Los Angeles California

http://couplescounselorlosangeles.com/