This lack of communication can increase stress and lower self-esteem. Passive people will do something they don't want to do or make up an excuse rather than say how they feel. Assertive behavior involves standing up for oneself. Assertive people will say what they think and stand up for their beliefs without hurting others. The aggressive style of communication involves overreaction, blaming and criticizing.
Aggressive people try to get their way through bullying, intimidating or even physical violence.
They do not or will not consider the rights of others. Signs, symbols, posture, body movements, dress, facial expressions and gestures are examples of nonverbal messages. The nonverbal messages reinforce what the speaker is saying. For example, passive communicators often have slumped posture and a lack of eye contact. Assertive people exhibit erect posture and direct eye contact.