There are four main styles of communication. I include a short description in each of them:
- passive: let others take the decisions for you: not express feelings or needs, ignoring your personal rights. Ex: "I’m okay with whatever you want to do".
- aggressive: defensive or hostile behaviour, ignoring others, personal benefits. Ex: "this is what we’re doing." ( no option to change it)
- passive-aggressive: being subtle, appearing passive but influencing others with sarcasm and irony, avoiding conversation. Ex: attittudes such as spreading rumours, sabotaging other people's efforts.
- assertive: direct, honest communication, respecting the feeling, ideas of others. Ex: "I need for you to do.... because I feel..."
In general, it is said that ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION is the best in order to hold a respectful and long-term relationship, but it depends on the situations we encounter, the type of communication we use.