When we think of aggression, often it’s the physical sort that comes to mind. Aggression isn’t always about throwing punches and starting fights. Here are 19 non-physical signs of aggression that are important to notice.
Sudden Silence
Sometimes, when someone gets really quiet out of nowhere, it’s a sign they’re upset. If someone usually talks a lot but suddenly stops and seems tense, they might be feeling aggressive inside. This kind of silence is different—it feels heavy and uncomfortable.
Cold Shoulder
Ignoring someone or giving them the “cold shoulder” is a way to show anger without saying anything mean. It’s like saying, “I’m mad at you,” without using words, but this behavior can hurt just as much as yelling and is a sign of aggression that shouldn’t be brushed under the carpet.
Sarcasm
Sarcasm can be a sign of aggression, and Mind warns that it’s a passive-aggressive form of anger. If someone is always sarcastic and it makes you feel bad about yourself, it means they’re letting out their anger sneakily rather than being upfront and talking in a mature way about issues.
Eye Rolling
Rolling eyes might seem small, but it sends a big message. It’s like saying, “I don’t respect what you’re saying.” Doing this a lot can be a sign that someone is feeling aggressive inside, so keep watching when you’re trying to talk to someone about something that might provoke a reaction.
Heavy Sighing
Have you ever noticed someone sighing a lot when they’re annoyed? This isn’t just an indication of being tired; it’s a way to show they’re not happy with the situation. It’s an obvious but quiet sign of aggression that says they’re frustrated.
Raising Their Voice
When someone starts talking louder and louder, raising their voice, it’s often because they’re getting aggressive. They might not be shouting yet, but the loud voice says they’re not feeling calm inside, and things could be about to escalate.
Tightening Jaw
Watch for when someone clenches their jaw or grinds their teeth because this is a huge clue that they’re holding back aggressive feelings. They are angry, and it’s like their body is getting ready for a fight, even if they don’t actually start one.
Staring Hard
A hard, cold, fixed stare can be pretty intimidating. This kind of look isn’t friendly or warm; it’s a way to challenge or scare someone without moving a muscle. It can be a way of control, making people feel uncomfortable so they do what you want them to.
Interrupting Often
If someone keeps cutting you off and interrupting you while you’re talking, it’s aggressive, states VeryWell Mind. It is an aggressive form of communication that makes people feel victimized. They’re railroading you by verbally walking all over you and basically saying your words and what you are talking about just aren’t important.
Quick to Criticize
When someone is quick to criticize and always finds something wrong with what you do and points it out, it can be a form of aggression. It’s like they’re attacking without giving you a break, which can feel intimidating and exhausting.
Making Threats
Threats don’t have to involve physical harm. Saying things like, “You’ll be sorry” or “You’ll regret this” are aggressive ways to scare someone. Threats are a way of getting what you want by any means necessary without any care about how it makes others feel.
Faking a Smile
A fake smile, especially when nothing is funny, can be a sign of aggression. Psychology Today says this is a twisted way of gaining power. It can be quite unnerving because, essentially, they’re hiding their true feelings behind a mask. You’re left feeling confused and like you’re not sure what’s what.
Changing the Subject
Switching topics suddenly, especially when you’re in the middle of talking about something important, can be a way to control and frustrate you. It’s an aggressive tactic used to either dominate and control the conversation or avoid dealing with the real issues.
Excessive Pessimism
Someone who is always negative and shoots down every idea can be showing aggression through their negativity. It’s like they are not happy or content and resent anybody who is; all they want is to bring everyone down with them.
Overly Controlling Behavior
Trying to control everything and every one is another form of non-physical aggression. It’s all about a huge power trip and making sure things only go their way so they can maintain control. Being in control boosts their ego and makes them feel better than everyone else.
Avoiding Eye Contact
Avoiding eye contact when you’re talking or avoiding looking at you altogether can be another way of saying, “I don’t respect you.” It’s a less obvious form of aggression but is just as meaningful; it puts you down and them up, which is exactly what they want.
Silent Treatment
When someone doesn’t answer when you speak to them on purpose, it shows they’re using silence as a weapon. Medical News Today also lists it as a form of emotional abuse. They want to punish you, but maybe the only way they can do that is by being unavailable.
Misinterpreting Words
Twisting someone’s words around and purposefully misinterpreting them is gaslighting and a very sneaky way to be aggressive. It creates confusion, causes unnecessary issues, and can make you doubt yourself. When you question them, they play the victim, take control back, and leave you confused and upset.
Not Respecting Personal Space
Invading your personal space, even if they don’t actually touch you, is a way to intimidate and control. It’s an aggressive act that feels threatening and leaves you feeling vulnerable. It puts you in a position of weakness and paints you as a stronger person.
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