A very solid explanation; thank you.
I know you are, but what am I? Sorry, couldn’t resist…
Anyway…I am comfortable with how it’s defined in the Wikipedia entry. Not sure if it’s as comprehensive a definition as you require, but I’ll quote it for what it’s worth:
"Passive–aggressive behavior, a personality trait, is passive, sometimes obstructionist resistance to following through with expectations in interpersonal or occupational situations. It is a personality trait marked by a pervasive pattern of negative attitudes and passive, usually disavowed resistance in interpersonal or occupational situations.
It can manifest itself as learned helplessness, procrastination, stubbornness, resentment, sullenness, or deliberate/repeated failure to accomplish requested tasks for which one is (often explicitly) responsible.[1]"
Excerpted from: Passive-aggressive behavior - Wikipedia
I could look up the link to the column and post it here, but how would anyone really benefit by my doing that instead of just waiting for someone else. Let them take the heat if it’s the wrong column.
Hereis a link to the column (I think.)