Purposefulness makes the same action significantly different. To straightforwardly refuse to do what someone else expects you to do, and state why, is a clear message; a passive-aggressive action is a muddled message encoded in a hostile act. If the other person cares about your needs, the clear statement is enough. Backing up the statement with action is often required when the other person is exploitive and expects to get his or her way at your expense.
