When people react to feelings, they may be passive, assertive or aggressive. Passive reactions involve the inability or unwillingness to express thoughts and feelings. People who choose a passive style may do something they don't want to do or make up an excuse rather than express what they feel or think. Assertive reactions allow people to stand up for themselves. Assertive people will say what they think and openly express their feelings.
Aggressive reactions involve overreaction, blaming and criticizing.
People who are aggressive express their feelings through bullying, intimidating or even physical violence. They do not or will not consider the rights of others. Both nonverbal and verbal messages accompany each reaction style. The nonverbal messages reinforce what the speaker is saying and feeling. For example, a passive reaction may be accompanied by slumped posture, a lack of eye contact, hand wringing, hesitant speech, whining or nervous laughter.