We all have our moments where we can be passive aggressive. I’m not proud of it.
I think it’s sort of a natural extension of being told all our lives that we need to be nice, or to hide our feelings, to avoid conflict at all costs. There has to be an outlet somewhere, and so the snark makes it way out as passive aggression.
Sometimes it’s an attempt to be funny, to make a point while smoothing over conflict. Other times, laughter may not be the intention, but it’s good when the rest of us can see the humor in it anyway.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best passive aggressive moments out there.
1. The bumper sticker: a reliable classic
I used to think that it would be a good idea if we could easily put scrolling messages on the front or back of our cars. You know, to tell people their gas tank is open or thank them for letting you into traffic. In retrospect, it’s probably better that we don’t.
2. People really can say a lot with their cars
It’s definitely a favored form of passive aggression. Or even just outright aggression.
3. The bathroom sign
Not to be confused with the writing inside the stall. Those messages may or may not be passive aggressive.
The passive aggressive sign at I place I’m visiting.
byu/NOTLD1990 infunny
4. Or this other amazing bathroom sign
We had some of these at a place that I worked.
I’m having flashbacks.
View this post on Instagram
5. The office break room
I think people are at their most passive aggressive at work.
You can’t outright go at someone because you still have to work together.
View this post on Instagram
6. But sometimes things just have to be said
I kind of like it when people think outside the box.
7. Sometimes businesses take matters into their own hands
They definitely know their clientele.
8. Just remember that the customer is ALWAYS right
And they might decide to get even in the end.
9. And sometimes it’s just a matter of protecting your home turf
Whether you rent and have shared facilities or not…
View this post on Instagram
10. Homeowners can be especially tetchy
I don’t actually MIND that people turn around in my driveway so much…
But it does feel like we’re the chosen ones and I don’t understand WHY.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYd_TTuFGAD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
11. It’s hard to know how to talk to your neighbors
You just never know how they’ll react.
One of my neighbours taking passive aggressive to a new level pic.twitter.com/rPyDo4g9Kx
— Daniel O'Leary (@Wheezy__T) January 10, 2019
12. Don’t forget about spouses
I bet almost no one is as passive aggressive as a spouse. You think you’re doing a good thing by avoiding a fight…
My wife made me a passive aggressive flow chart to use every time I get hungry
byu/biscoff_nutella infunny
13. Or anyway, you’re making your point
That’s definitely one way of doing it. If the other person actually CARES that the bed isn’t made.
https://twitter.com/Fleimkepa/status/902967954584862722?s=20
14. Living with other people is just hard
It helps to get creative and add a touch of humor. But did they DO the dishes?
Passive aggressive roommate preparing for Valentines Day.
byu/Jiminycricketmuncher infunny
15. Hopefully you can laugh about it
Because the humor takes the sting out of the conversations we’re not having. This one is next-level though.
I fell out with my girlfriend this morning, but before leaving for work she pegged the washing out. Passive aggressive status Boss level! pic.twitter.com/JpHX48cGmu
— D Bentley-Miller (@DBentleyMiller) March 22, 2019
16. Just remember, the kids are watching and learning
They hear what you say and they see what you do, and then they repeat it and it’s hilarious.
These are all so amazingly passive aggressive that I almost feel sad not to work in an office with people anymore.
Did we miss any great opportunities or responses? Leave them in the comments.
