If you’ve been living with a passive-aggressive spouse, then you may be wary of what’s to come during your divorce. You know that they have a tendency to be kind one minute and aggressive the next, which is exactly why you’re leaving the marriage.
Knowing how to handle a passive-aggressive spouse is important as you go through a divorce. They may try to anger you or get a rise out of you in a way that will affect the case, but you don’t have to put up with abuse or disrespect.
How can you handle a passive-aggressive spouse?
To start with, make it clear that you are proceeding with the divorce. A passive-aggressive spouse may try to avoid a divorce at first, but they may then go on to act out angrily or aggressively. Try to stay calm and don’t react emotionally to this. If you get a passive-aggressive message or phone call, do your best to give it time before you respond.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your spouse may try to delay the divorce out of spite or their own personal discomfort. A passive-aggressive spouse could drag out a divorce, so it’s a good idea to prepare to handle all aspects of the divorce with your attorney on your own. Your attorney will help you put together a plan of how to move forward if your spouse tries to delay the divorce.
Finally, know that your spouse may try to play the victim, but you don’t have to buy into it. While you can be compassionate, don’t get defensive. Do what you need to do to get through the legal aspects of divorce and then move on.