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Escalation of conflict
The silent treatment method will add even more injury to insult rather than helping you de-escalate a conflict. By deliberately not communicating, important matters will remain unsolved. The negative feelings will still be there, lurking just beneath the surface, waiting to be let out.
Lack of dialogue increases anxiety in partners and increases tension, giving way to misinterpretations and misunderstandings.
Instead of burying the hatchet of war completely, you’re only playing a cat-and-mouse game that will eventually cause even more frustration and conflict. Lack of open communication destroys any chance of getting to the bottom of things and solving the real problem in a constructive manner. Recognizing the adverse effects of silent treatment is an important step in avoiding such behavior and promoting open and healthy communication between partners.
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Increase tension and anxiety
A lack of dialogue and a silent environment is not healthy for either partner in a relationship. No communication can cause feelings of uncertainty, and generate even more unspoken feelings which in turn increase anxiety and stress.
One of the most common effects of the silent treatment is causing feelings of abandonment and insolation in one of the partners, amplifying tension and anxiety. The person with the growing anxiety will start overanalyzing and developing increasing feelings of frustration and unease. In time, it will impact their mental and emotional well-being, and might even take a toll on their health condition. After all, no one likes to live in an environment where they feel isolated and tension is felt through their every pore.
See also: 9 Most Common Causes People Get a Divorce
4 Responses
My husband who happens to be a medical doctor would rather give me the silent treatment rather than resolve issues. He shouts me down when i try to talk and share how i feel. He does not listen and would constantly discuss our issues with his mom who always blames me and product negativity onto our marriage then wants to be close to my kids.
How does he expect things to get resolved? Does he not realize what he is doing to us? Is he done with the relationship because that is what I am reading from his actions. He also lies and has cheated on my before but I stayed which he even insults me for when he is angry. I believe he is a narcissist which i have said to him many times in anger but I don’t think i am far from the truth. I also believe his parents are narcissists as well.
Thank you for these useful tips about dealing with people, and understanding the different traits that are in people! It’s like a road map on the why and how of everyday life! Hopefully this will help!
“To prevent communication breakdown, experts recommend having an open dialogue with your significant other, really listening to what they have to say and empathizing with them. If you manage to listen and understand one another, you are on a sure way towards a healthy and thriving relationship.”
I give the ‘silent treatment’ because my wife, no matter how much I try to stay calm, has no intention of LISTENING to what I may want to say. I have suffered this trait of hers for decades. I have no option but to remain silent.
This is a no win situation if your spouse feels this is the correct way to get you to go her way. It’s a rap, because no matter what you are wrong in her eyes and you got to pay for making her feel this way.