Indirect aggression is slippery, impossible to nail down; it is disguised beneath a veneer of politeness or gentleness. If confronted, the aggressor has an accessible backdoor: “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded” or “Of course I’m not angry with you” or “You’re too sensitive” or even “You’re paranoid.” The recipient is left paralyzed. She has no proof, just her suspicions. If she confronts the aggressor with her doubts, she may very well be blamed for causing conflict herself.
Queen bees
