Aggressiveness and the Pursuit of Superiority

People who adopt an aggressive communication style often value competition over cooperation.

This mentality is based on the need to outdo others to validate one's own worth.

By introducing an element of hierarchy into relationships, these individuals measure their success and emotional well-being in comparison to others.

This, however, generates a deep sense of insecurity, as self-esteem is externalized and depends on being perceived as superior.

This quest for superiority often translates into behaviors such as resentment or hostility toward those they perceive as a threat or obstacle.

Origins of Aggressiveness: Anxiety and Insecurity

Aggressive individuals may have been raised in environments where they were praised only for their accomplishments and punished for their failures.

This dynamic internalizes the belief that they need to compete and be better than others in order to gain recognition and affection.

This can lead to the irrational belief that they must be perfect to be valuable.

This need for achievement becomes a never-ending quest, as there is no external factor that can compensate for an internal insecurity.

As a result, these people can become workaholics, putting immense pressure on themselves and others.

Aggressive behaviors in relationships

Aggressiveness manifests itself in various forms of control and power.

Some people seek to dominate others, intimidating them at work or making them feel that they are never "enough" in personal relationships.

Others may be manipulative, seeing others as tools to achieve their goals regardless of the cost to the relationship.

There are also those who are prestige seekers, obsessed with their image and being seen as important through material possessions or social status.

These behaviors, however, are not sustainable in the long run and end up destroying the relationships they fought so hard to master.

Summary

Aggressiveness is based on the need to outdo others in order to validate one's own value. This approach introduces a hierarchy into relationships. Self-esteem is externalized, depending on being perceived as superior.

Aggressiveness may originate from an upbringing where only achievements were praised. This leads to the irrational belief that one must be perfect. This quest for superiority can turn the person into a workaholic or a tyrant.

Aggressiveness manifests itself in forms of control and power. Some people intimidate others, others are manipulative or only seek prestige. However, these behaviors are not sustainable and destroy relationships.