A investigation into the social psychology of revenge from the research journal Social and Psychology Personality Compass defines revenge as a way to exchange messages and meanings – it is a complex, chaotic and often unhealthy means of communication. While some experts suggest that there are some potential advantages of using revenge in toxic relationships or situations, the disincentives to vindictive behavior far outweigh any useful use of it.

In some situations, vengeful people make their envy and sabotage well known, but in others, there are quiet ways that people get their revenge without getting caught. By recognizing these tendencies and behaviors, you can ensure that you cultivate a healthy inner circle full of relationships that enrich rather than devalue your life.

Here are 8 quiet ways people get revenge without getting caught

1. Rumors or gossip start

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while the research found While gossip can be healthy in very specific scenarios, most rumors started by resentful and vindictive people are meant to be harmful. Whether it’s eroding trust in a relationship, damaging someone’s reputation, or desperately trying to stir up stress and anxiety in someone’s life, gossip in the wrong hands can be one of the quiet ways people get revenge without getting caught.

Of course, gossiping behind people’s backs and spreading hurtful rumors might keep a vengeful person from getting caught, but it hardly protects them from negative karmic energy this will surely come back to them eventually.

RELATED: Psychologist reveals the 3 toxic communication styles that always end relationships

2. Fake friendship

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According to psychologist Mark Travers Ph.D.people who fake positive attitudes or pretend to give great advice not only harm other struggling people, but damage their own confidence and identity along the way.

So while they might be quietly vindictive towards another person by trying to assert their superiority over them with fake success and happiness, they will only end up confused, disconnected and isolated in the end. Of course, take care of the people in your life who are always doing better than you, especially if they are keen to point it outbecause they are probably trying to make you feel worse.

3. They push boundaries

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Although experts like Yolanda Renteriaa licensed professional counselor, argue that constantly setting boundaries in a relationship can be a form of self-deception and avoidance in itself, many vengeful people will sabotage relationships with their own selfish behaviors.

Revenge seekers know quietly that their tendency to overstep specific boundaries in relationships causes other people stress and emotional harm, yet they use this to their advantage. They manipulate other people to believe that they are suffering because of their own incompetence in protecting their space.

4. They strategically express ignorance

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Willful ignorance in relationships is both a form of self-sabotage and quiet revenge because it is an active decision to avoid becoming informed about another person’s emotions, situations, or struggles in order to avoid responsibility when called out for not supported or did not intervene.

While it may be obvious to some people that their partners or friends are expressing willful ignorance, research from the journal Philosophical Studies claims that many of them use ignorance as a means of self-delusion. They subconsciously avoid responsibility for their actions and, in turn, sacrifice the well-being of healthy relationships with others.

RELATED: Why you want revenge – and why you shouldn’t get it

5. They completely stop communicating

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while using “no contact” strategies with toxic relationships in your life can be incredibly healthy and effective in many cases, there are some quiet ways people get revenge without getting caught that revolve around the misuse of communication.

Whether they’re late responding to texts, purposefully forgetting to return phone calls, or completely “ghosting” people, vengeful people can use others’ desire to contact them as a means of manipulation.

If you recognize that communication – or, more importantly, lack of communication — from someone in your life disrupting your balance, consider it a sign to reconsider the value of their relationship in your life.

6. They make passive-aggressive comments

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According to a study in the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studiespassive-aggressive behavior is not only common in personal relationships, it is also incredibly prevalent in workplace dynamics and leadership strategies.

Coworkers may deliberately retaliate against their bosses by making passive-aggressive comments, but also by undermining their leadership authority with poor concern and lack of diligence in their work.

In more personal relationships, such as those with a partner or friend, passive-aggressive comments it can work to create a silent sense of mistrust in a connection, creating a sense of instability or resentment that isn’t always easy to identify in the moment.

7. They go on with their lives

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Not everyone who “gets back” does so on purpose, as this exchange of messages and communication is almost always a two-way street. One party may feel the shame, guilt, and insecurity often associated with vindictive behavior, such as a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology he argues, even if the only person is only passively aware of it.

Consider a toxic relationship ending: one person lives in it, while another perfects himself metaphorically. The person who “moves on” might find a new partner, start a new job, or even create a new social media presence. They move quietly, and often personally, to achieve their goals while another looks on resentfully.

8. Revisit the old uncomfortable conflict of late

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Forgiveness and open discussion are usually good-natured ways to resolve conflict, whether you’re in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or an acquaintance at work. However, letting things deteriorate over time, only to revisit them at a later date with the strategic goal of bringing intense emotions to someone who might have moved past or forgotten them, is not not only manipulative, but also confusing.

Slightly overshadowed by claims of healing, these types of conversations can be hard to shake off, especially if you’re the person blindsided by them. This type of shady manipulation is more common than you think. Consider next time a a vengeful colleague points out a mistake from your project months before and you will be reminded.

RELATED: 15 expressions manipulative people use to make you trust them

Zayda Slabbekoorn is a news and entertainment writer at YourTango focusing on health and wellness, social policy and human interest stories.