Assumed direction or a polarity always must be determined and known. Positive value means an actual direction of power flow matches assumed. Negative means that it is opposite.
In ordinary speech, we normally use only positive values as we assume reference directions that produce those values positive. In engineering, negative values are common!
Active and Passive Power Sign Conventions relate to sources and loads and determine the sign of an element's power flow. Avoid negative values by changing the convention!
Active and Reactive Powers do not necessarily flow in a same direction. What is a positive and what is a negative value of power flow? How does the value relate to a reference?