15 Aggressive Behaviours That Aren’t Physical

When we think of aggression, physical actions like pushing, hitting, or shoving usually come to mind. But aggression isn’t always physical. There are lots of non-physical forms of aggression that can be just as damaging, if not worse, in the long run.

We wanted to talk about a few forms of non-physical aggression that you should know about. Recognizing these behaviors can help you navigate interactions more effectively and build healthier relationships free from all kinds of aggression. If you have experienced any of these forms of aggression, you may want to take action and make some important changes before things get any worse.

Shouting at Parents and Siblings

Shouting at your parents (or siblings) might feel like the easiest way to express frustration. But, in many cases, it just makes things worse. It’s normal to feel upset, but raising your voice can make people around you feel scared or upset. Instead of shouting, try to talk calmly about what’s bothering you. This doesn’t mean you’re wrong for feeling angry. It just means there are better ways to deal with that anger. Taking deep breaths or walking away until you’re calm might help. This way, everyone can listen and understand each other better.

Teasing and Bullying Others

Sometimes, teasing can seem fun to joke around with friends. But teasing can quickly turn into bullying when it hurts someone’s feelings. You might not mean to hurt anyone, but thinking about how others feel is important. Even small jokes can make someone feel bad about themselves. It’s okay to laugh and have fun, but it’s better when everyone is included, and no one feels picked on. Being kind doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. It just means you’re making sure everyone feels good while you’re doing it.

Spreading Rumors About Others

Spreading rumors might seem harmless, especially if it is just gossip. But the truth is that rumors can hurt someone’s reputation or feelings. Even if you did not start the rumor, sharing it makes you part of the problem. Instead of passing on something that might not even be true, try to stop it. It is normal to want to be part of a conversation (but you can choose to talk about more positive things). This way, no one gets hurt (and you are helping create a nicer environment for everyone).

Threatening Someone

It is easy to think that a threat is a way to ensure you get what you want. But threats make people feel unsafe (and that is never okay). Even if you are mad, it is better to find a way to solve the problem without scaring someone. You might feel powerful when you threaten, but it often pushes people away instead of bringing them closer. It is better to talk about your feelings and find a peaceful solution. That way, everyone feels respected, and the problem can be solved in a way that works for everyone.

Using Unhealthy Distractions

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to turn to distractions like video games, social media, or even avoiding people. While it is normal to need a break sometimes, using these things to escape your problems can hurt your relationships. You might be pushing people away instead of facing your feelings or challenges. Taking time for yourself is okay, but facing your problems and talking to someone about what’s happening is also important. This can help you feel better in the long run instead of avoiding the issue.

Not Able to Control One’s Temper

Everyone gets angry sometimes, and that is completely normal. But losing your temper often, especially around others, can be damaging. When you can’t control your anger, people might feel like they must walk on eggshells around you. It is not about never being angry but about finding better ways to express it. Taking profound breaths or counting to ten can aid you relax before saying something you regret. This way, you can share your feelings without making anyone feel scared or hurt.

Swearing Bad Names

Using bad names (or swearing) when angry might be a way to release frustration. But calling someone a bad name can hurt their feelings, even if you’re just doing it in the heat of the moment. Swearing doesn’t solve the problem; it just makes things worse. Instead, try to explain why you’re upset without using hurtful words. It’s okay to be angry, but there are better ways to express it. Being kind with your words can make a huge difference in how the situation turns out.

Destroying Relationships with Lies

Sometimes, lying seems like the (easiest) way out of a problem. But when people discover the truth, it can destroy trust in relationships. Even small lies can pile up and make it hard for people to believe you in the future. It’s understandable to want to avoid trouble, but being honest, even when it’s hard, is always better in the long run. People will respect you more if they know you’re truthful, which helps build stronger relationships. Honesty is the best policy.

Damaging Someone’s Social Status

Sometimes, people try to bring others down to feel better about themselves. This can happen when someone talks badly about another person (or excludes them from a group). Even if it seems no big deal, it can hurt your target person. Everyone deserves to feel accepted, and no one should be made to feel less than they are. Instead of trying to damage someone’s social status, why not build them up? It’s a choice that helps everyone feel better in the end.

Negatively Affecting Work Relationships with Peers

Getting along with the people around you at school or work is important. But sometimes, without even realizing it, we might act in ways that hurt those relationships. This could be talking behind someone’s back or not being supportive when a team member needs help. It is okay to feel frustrated sometimes, but keeping a positive attitude with your peers is important. Working together in a supportive way makes everyone feel good and helps the group succeed.

Pitting People Against Each Other

Sometimes, getting two people to argue with each other can seem like a clever idea, especially if you’re trying to avoid trouble yourself. But pitting people against each other causes even more problems and often backfires. It’s understandable to want to shift attention away from yourself, but it’s always better to be honest and help people get along instead of causing more conflict. Being the person who brings peace instead of chaos is always the better choice.

Acting Upset Without Any Solid Reason

There are times when we all feel upset, and that’s okay. However, acting upset without a clear reason can confuse (and hurt others). Sometimes, you might not even realize you’re doing it. Maybe you had a bad day, and it’s affecting your mood. But it’s important to recognize how your feelings affect those around you. Talking about something is better than acting upset if something bothers you. This helps others understand what’s happening, making solving problems easier.

Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of manipulation where one person tries to make another doubt their own perceptions, memories, or sanity. This tactic can make a person feel insecure or question their reality which can often lead them to rely more heavily on the person who is gaslighting them. It’s a subtle, yet powerful way to undermine someone’s confidence and autonomy. Repeated gaslighting can erode self-esteem and create lasting emotional harm.

Blaming

Blaming involves shifting responsibility for mistakes, conflicts, or negative outcomes onto someone else. It can be an aggressive behavior that is used to avoid accountability. This can often create a dynamic where the other person feels perpetually at fault or wrong in their actions. When you are constantly blamed for things you didn’t do, it can wear down your confidence and make you constantly afraid of your actions.

Ignoring

If you have ever been on the recieving end of the silent treatment, you know that it can be a subtle but powerful form of aggression. Ignoring someome sends a message that the person isn’t worth your attention, which can create feelings of rejection and isolation. Unlike physical aggression, this behavior can quietly erode trust and self-esteem over time. It’s often used to control or punish someone without the direct confrontation, making it hard for someone to address directly. Open communication is always a better choice than completely shutting someone out.

Showing aggression is a way for a person to show that they are unhappy with a particular situation. It is the worst possible behavior that a person can take because it can lead to not only physical but also mental abuse. After learning through these behaviors enumerated above, you might have understood why we are saying that not all aggressive behaviors are physical; some are mental. So, the next time you see someone displaying these aggressive behaviors, try to make them aware of the effect it is having on the physical as well as mental well-being of a person.