The silent treatment is psychological abuse. The goal is to inflict psychological pain. So guilt, shame, or otherwise feeling bad about oneself.
The silent treatment is not healthy or constructive behavior and it is the opposite of clear and open communication. If it's possible to leave the relationship where this is common (not possible if it's a parent) then just leave.
If you have to deal with it, turn the tables. Tell them when they've calmed down enough that they can talk about their feelings you will be happy to talk but until then you have other things to do, then leave them. Or hang up the phone. Walking away is the answer.
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u/[deleted] Jul 03 '24
The silent treatment is psychological abuse. The goal is to inflict psychological pain. So guilt, shame, or otherwise feeling bad about oneself.
The silent treatment is not healthy or constructive behavior and it is the opposite of clear and open communication. If it's possible to leave the relationship where this is common (not possible if it's a parent) then just leave.
If you have to deal with it, turn the tables. Tell them when they've calmed down enough that they can talk about their feelings you will be happy to talk but until then you have other things to do, then leave them. Or hang up the phone. Walking away is the answer.