50 Times Being Passive-Aggressive Was Actually Funny (New Pics)

Have you ever heard of the 'Count to 10 before you respond' rule? It works pretty well in this case, too. Karen says that pausing and processing is important if we want to communicate with people honestly. When you're not reacting impulsively, the conversation is bound to go in a more constructive direction.

When you're feeling frustrated, empathize with the other person. "Consider why they might be acting a certain way," Edwards tells Bored Panda. "Understanding their perspective can help you approach the situation with curiosity rather than frustration."

She also recommends being clear and direct. Not stating your needs and expecting the other person to "just know" is what gets passive-aggressive people in trouble in the first place. "Clear communication reduces misunderstandings," Karen says.

It's also about how you say things; opt for a calm or a neutral tone. A raised tone of voice makes the other person defensive, instantly souring the conversation. Complaints also never helped anybody, so try offering some solutions. "Instead of only pointing out a problem, suggest a way forward," Karen explains. "For example, 'Can we set a schedule for chores?' instead of 'You never help around the house.'"

Another golden rule here is to pick your battles. Know the right time and place to address the issues that are bothering you, but do so when both you and the other person are in a receptive state.

Being on the receiving end of a passive-aggressive text or note surely does suck. But we can't deny that sometimes, people get pretty creative with their passive-aggressive jabs. Let us know which ones from this list you liked the most, Pandas. And don't forget to check out another one of our lists where people were hilariously passive-aggressive to each other!