Contrasting Style Behaviors

Factor

Style

Passive Aggressive Passive-Aggressive Assertive
Treatment of Rights Gives up own Usurps others' Sneaks to usurp others' Maintains own
Metaphor Doormat Steamroller Doormat with spikes Pillar
Verbal Behavior Qualifies, apologizes Blames, accuses Uses sarcasm, Indirect putdown Speaks mind openly, directly
Nonverbal Behavior Averted gaze, soft voice, draws back Stares, loud voice, Invades space Sideways glances, sarcastic tone, shifts Direct gaze, varied voice, balanced stance
Response Flight Fight Hit-and-run Engagement