[header] How to say what you mean without being mean [title] Avoid unhealthy communication styles. [step] Everyone has different ways of communicating, but some styles make it more difficult to say what you mean, mean what you say, and avoid being mean. [substeps] Passive people tend to avoid speaking up and avoid confrontation. 
They give in easily to and have difficulty saying " no, " for fear of being mean. Aggressive people tend to be emotionally honest, but express this honesty in an inappropriate way.