You might hear aggressive communication from parents, friends, co-workers, or romantic partners.
You might even have an aggressive communication style yourself.
What Kind of Communicator Are You?
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When a person uses aggressive communication, the other people involved may feel victimized.
A conversation that is dominated by aggression can be exhausting and frightening.
A person who is an aggressive communicator will interrupt or trample anyone else who is speaking.
Theyll be insistent on making their point and making sure that everyone hears it.
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How Aggressive Communication Damages Relationships
Aggression and conflictcan hurt our relationships.
There are times when being aggressive is not only good, it is 100% called for.
Assertive vs.
Aggressive Communication
Sometimes, people confusebeing assertive with being aggressive.
Asserting yourself in a conversation is actually a powerful tool to use when youre dealing with an aggressive communicator.
Unlike aggression, assertiveness can improve relationships and increase life satisfaction.
A little too comfortable walking all over others?
Are you somewhere in the comfortable middle ground?
On the other hand, it can feel too passive if youre used to an aggressive communication style.
Its normal to feel overwhelmed by trying to overhaul how you communicate.
Thats part of working through the process.
Once you find that balance, it will get easier to be assertive in all of your interactions.
Aggressive communication can wreak havoc on all areas of your life, including school, family, and work.
But you’re free to take steps to reduce aggression and stress and change how you communicate.
Youll want to think and be honest about how you talk to other people.
It also means watching yourself for signs that youre heading toward aggressionare you raising your voice?
Do you feel your pulse going up?
Do you want to call out or put down the person youre talking to?
Letting go of an aggressive communication style doesnt mean youre becoming passive.
Youre just replacing unhelpful tendencies with strategies that are more helpful and less stressful.
2019;6(1):46-49. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.09.006
