RELATIONSHIP
4 ways to respond to silent treatment in a relationship
4 ways to respond to silent treatment in a relationship
Silent treatment is not healthy for a relationship. It is when one person ignore the other person, refusing to acknowledge them verbally or through any other method. Silent treatment occurs after having an argument and it can also happen when the silent partner is angry and the other person doesn’t know why. It can be very frustrating when you are on the receiving end of a silent treatment. For your relationship to stand the test of time, silent treatment is not an acceptable behavior. It can break your relationship and no one deserves to be ignored.
Here are some constructive ways to respond to a silent treatment.
- Give your partner space to think
Don’t try to bombard your partner with questions on why they are being silent. Give them a breathing space to think and don’t try to figure out what they are thinking. If you do their thinking for them , they won’t learn how to be direct when sharing their thoughts and feelings
- Take time out to cool off
During a time of silence, both partners should pause and reflect on what led to the silent treatment especially if it was preceded by an argument or emotional outburst. If you are on the receiving end, you may feel ignored and frustrated, so take time out to cool off to calm you down.
- Apologise if you are at fault
Think about whether you may have done or said something to hurt your partner. Admit and acknowledge any wrongs that may have gotten them angry and apologize sincerely. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
- Set rules for healthy communication
When silent treatment keeps occurring in a relationship, such relationship is bound to break. Communication is what makes a relationship thrive. After the silent treatment period is over, create time to set rules for healthy communication. When you don’t like something your partner did, tell them immediately, you shouldn’t hold grudges against someone you claim you love.
