how to confront someone who's giving you the silent treatment

Should you confront someone giving you the silent treatment?

It's hard to confront someone who is giving you the silent treatment because they might be sulking for days. Not talking to you or addressing the issues is their way of keeping you at tenterhooks. When someone gives you the silent treatment, you keep grappling with the questions about what went wrong.Dec 13, 2021

How do you respond to silent treatment or stonewalling?

Responding to being stonewalled People copping the silent treatment often try to win the person over, and feel further hurt when they don't succeed, Ms Shaw says. "If you know your partner is locked into negative feelings, extending some sort of olive branch once can be helpful," she says.Apr 29, 2019

How do you deal with the silent treatment with dignity?

Maintain your dignity and try these six strategies.Look for the reasons behind the silent treatment. ... Share the psychology behind silent treatment. ... Avoid reacting to silent abuse. ... Respond with calmness and speak kindly. ... State your boundaries clearly. ... Take care of yourself. ... Consider professional therapy.Apr 26, 2021

What kind of person gives you the silent treatment?

Research. Researchers have found that the silent treatment is used by both men and women to terminate a partner's behaviors or words rather than to elicit them. 1 In abusive relationships, the silent treatment is used to manipulate the other person and to establish power over them.Jun 1, 2020

How do you deal with a narcissist silent treatment?

Calmly tell the person that you've noticed they're not responding and you want to understand why. Emphasize that you want to resolve things. While it's not your fault that someone else decides to give you the silent treatment, you do have a responsibility to apologize if you've done something wrong.Apr 30, 2019

What to do when someone shuts you out?

What to say to someone when they are shutting you out“I understand you're feeling…”“I've given you a lot to consider. I'll give you time to digest.”“Let's take a breather and come back to this another time.”“I'm sorry I said…” or “I'm sorry I didn't…”“I'm not upset with you. ... “When you ignore me I feel…”

What is the psychology behind the silent treatment?

The silent treatment is a particularly insidious form of abuse because it might force the victim to reconcile with the perpetrator in an effort to end the behavior, even if the victim doesn't know why they're apologizing. “It's especially controlling because it deprives both sides from weighing in,” Williams said.Mar 26, 2021

What does silence do to a man?

Findings from his in-depth analysis revealed that the silent treatment is 'tremendously' damaging to a relationship. It decreases relationship satisfaction for both partners, diminishes feelings of intimacy, and reduces the capacity to communicate in a way that's healthy and meaningful.

How do you break a silent relationship?

Backtrace your steps. Don't over assume. ... Make excuses for both parties. It'll be wrong to think you've done nothing wrong to deserve the unwarranted silence you're getting from your friend. ... Forgiveness. ... Understanding. ... Break the silence — talk softly.

Is silent treatment immature?

At best the silent treatment isan immature behavior used by spoiled brats and manipulativeindividuals. At worst, it is a weapon used by abusers to punish their victims.Jul 11, 2016

How do I stop the silent treatment?

You can avoid the silent treatment by compassionately acknowledging what you're feeling. Avoid accusations or hostile language and try not to overthink it. I know for me, a simple “I know I've been quiet lately” or “Hey, I noticed you're not responding to me” opens the door to healthier communication.

Why silence is powerful with a man?

Silence can be a very powerful way to “be” with another person, especially when they are troubled. It can communicate acceptance of the other person as they are as of a given moment, and particularly when they have strong feelings like sorrow, fear or anger.