Are tensions with your partner running too high? Consider cooling off with some passive aggression.
This is what TikTok user @nandziandblessed_ did in a tense conversation with her boyfriend about dinner plans, which she posted to TikTok to the tune of 1.4 million likes. The couple’s text messages in hyper-formal “corporate email” speak, tickled viewers as a unique method of navigating conflict.
“Good evening, I am writing to inform you that I will be picking up some provisions (Wingstop) on my way home and I wanted to extend an offer for any desired item from this eatery,” the text message from her boyfriend began.
Unhappy with his choice, she responded: “If possible, could we consider other options than Wingstop for tonight’s provisions?”
Wingstop appeared to be the most realistic option for her boyfriend’s route home, so he, in as many words, said no to her request.
“If you are set in your views that taking the slightly longer route to explore alternative dining options would be too burdensome, then I shall have to opt out of partaking in this evening’s meal,” she said.
Her boyfriend changed his mind after this, telling her he was willing to go somewhere else. However, she was still unsatisfied and communicated this professionally.
“Should you reconsider your food preferences later, please note that I will not be sharing mine,” he responded.
“K,” she said.
The couple’s diplomatic—and loaded—exchange made viewers laugh and inspired them to navigate their own interpersonal conflicts.
“This feels healthy … I’ll be incorporating this method with my husband,” @hannahsmith0319 wrote.
“From this point forward, this is the only way I will communicate with my husband when I’m mad at him,” @charitymaulden6 wrote.
The video even received cheers from major dating and partnerships like Tinder and Paired, with Tinder calling it “healthy communication.”
“This is incredible! You’ve found a great way to communicate that also keeps it light and playful,” @pairedapp wrote.
The conflict resolution method resonated with other TikTok users who shared their unique ways of diffusing tension within romantic relationships.
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Last month, a user posted a viral video about her and her partner’s method for managing conflict: fighting in party hats. “It makes it really hard to stay mad,” she captioned the video.
Rachel Goldberg, a licensed marriage and family therapist, previously told Newsweek that preventing conflict escalation is important to maintaining healthy relationships However, she cautioned couples to use discernment in deciding whether a matter is too serious to diffuse with humor or not.
Viewers certainly thought the matter of dinner was appropriate fodder for corporate communication.
“The passive aggressive in corporate emails is much better than being mean,” @jesswangg wrote.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.