Passive aggressive moves are unfair and confusing in conflict. Passive aggression punishes through indirect communication.
For instance, intentionally delaying a text.
Or, accidentally forgetting to do something.
The Gottman Institute, a research organization for relationships, highlights other sly ways passive aggressive moves surface. The institute states, “Sometimes a person uses humor to express hostility and then accuses you of being ‘too sensitive’.”
Passive aggressive communication is a tricky way to fight. The actions are confusing. They can seem benign, and also, an intentional way to release anger. Passive aggressive communication is a signal you might have difficulty communicating directly.
In another example, a passive aggressive move might be purposefully withdrawing from conversation because you feel angry and then later describing your action as neutral, “I wasn’t mad, I was just tired”. Who could blame you for being tired?
At best, passive aggressive moves release anger temporarily. At worst, they slowly chew at the foundation of your relationship.
Journal Prompt: I have used passive aggressive moves to communicate…
Mental Health & Journaling
Brooke James | Marriage & Family Therapist, Writer
Mental Health & Journaling 
I was raised in a family that use passive aggressive communication, so naturally, I learned to do this as well. It wasn’t until I learned to be a better communicator and to actually state how I felt, as opposed to suppressing it, that I was able to release this form of communication.
Good for you for being open to doing it differently!