Passive-aggressive behavior is a covert attack upon someone else. On some level, usually unconscious, the person knows what they are doing is going to upset their partner, and that is what they want because of resentments they are harboring toward their partner. It is very unhealthy and destructive to the relationship. Best that we identify passive-aggressive behavior and replace it with honest communication regarding our resentments and grievances so that they do not come out in inappropriate ways.