When someone refuses to speak to you out of spite, a desire to hurt, or simply to avoid dealing with an issue, you can feel helpless.If you understand it and confront it, you will be able to deal with it like an adult.The lines of communication should be opened in a calm manner.You should invite them to share with you.Don't get carried away by your feelings.You can take care of yourself by doing things you enjoy, focusing on relaxation, or ending the relationship if it is not healthy.
Step 1: Don't deal with abuse.
This is a form of emotional abuse if the person uses the silent treatment often.Emotional abuse is still damaging and can affect your self-esteem, sense of self, and self worth.If you feel isolated or humiliated as a result of the silent treatment, the person may be using it as emotional abuse.In addressing the silence, be firm.You cannot change someone who is abusive.If the person has promised to change yet no progress has been made, take some steps to deal with emotional abuse on your own terms.The support of other people is necessary.It's possible that you need to leave the relationship.Do you think this is a pattern or a one-time occurrence?It may be abuse if it happens often.They may want to have a follow-up conversation with you to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Step 2: Establish boundaries.
It is up to you to create healthy boundaries for the person.identify your physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental limitsThink about what makes you feel stressed or upset in your relationships.When someone crosses your boundaries, let them know.Enforce your boundaries by being assertive.I will not engage in the silent treatment.You can say, "You might use the silent treatment, but I don't."We have to discuss this.
Step 3: It's time to end the relationship.
You can't change the other person, no matter how hard you try.If the relationship is harmful to you, consider walking away.Let them know you need to move on.Spending time with someone who emotionally abuses you is more important than your well-being.Don't accept emotional abuse in your life.You need relationships with people who are willing and capable of communicating in a mature and healthy way.People with long histories of this behavior are not likely to be fixed for your friendship or relationship.You will be happier and have more time and space in your life for other people who are ready for friendship or love.
Step 4: Think about what causes silent treatment.
The silent treatment is a form of attention, power, and control over another person.A person might use the silent treatment to avoid a conflict.The silent treatment is sometimes used to punish another person.The person does not have the ability to communicate their feelings.A person might want to shift blame onto you instead of owning their fault.Or, they want to make you look bad.Whatever it is, the silent treatment makes you feel guilty.
Step 5: Stay calm, stay calm.
Your first reaction could be frustration, anger, or upset.It is valid to feel this way, but responding with aggression will make things worse.Don't give the silent treatment back.If you are contemptuous of each other, nothing will happen.You stay in control if you stay calm.Focus on your breath if you notice yourself becoming agitated or angry.Take long, deep breaths until you feel your body and mind calm down.
Step 6: Start a discussion.
Talk things over if you take the initiative.You will approach them to confront the problem if you are mature.Pick a time when both of you are available and don't have to rush off to something.Do you have time to spare?The person may not be ready to speak yet.If they don't seem ready, say, "I can see you're not ready to talk about this."Prepare for the conversation ahead of time and plan to meet.I want to discuss some issues with you.Are you available to talk on Tuesday?
Step 7: Ask what is happening.
It is not up to you to know what is going on with the other person.They are responsible to express their thoughts and feelings.Ask if you're not sure what's going on.I have noticed that you are distant.I am curious as to what is contributing to your silence.If they refuse to engage, say, "We can't move forward if you're not willing to do it."If they remain firm, say that you will revisit the issue later.
Step 8: Allow them to share.
Give them time to share their thoughts and feelings.Give them the option to describe what is happening and really listen.Asking lots of open-ended questions will try to get some clarity from the person.It is possible to say, "I would like to hear what you are upset about, and I'm willing to listen to you if you're ready to share."Write a letter and ask the other person to reply.If a lot has been unsaid, the direct confrontation can be too much.
Step 9: How do you feel ignored?
Make it clear how they make you feel.Tell them that their behavior leaves little room for resolving issues.Don't blame them, instead say, "I feel like you want me to be responsible for your feelings."The lack of communication between you means that things don't get resolved.
Step 10: The break is a good time to embrace it.
Sometimes the silent treatment leads to some time apart.Use the time and appreciate the space to get in touch with yourself, instead of resenting the person or becoming upset about their actions.If you want to put the focus on yourself and not the other person, ask yourself, "What am I feeling?"
Step 11: Show that you care.
The silent treatment is annoying, but try to see it from the person's perspective.They might not know how to express their feelings.The silent treatment is an effective way to deal with someone.Let them know that you care about how they are feeling.Even if you don't talk about it, I can tell you're upset.
Step 12: You should apologize for your actions.
You can fess up if you know you have said or done something bad.The silent treatment is a way of expressing hurt.Say something if you know you're in the wrong.You can connect with their feelings and let them know that you are aware of the pain you have caused.It is possible to make their wall softer by just feeling heard."I'm sorry, I didn't realize how much I hurt you when I said that."Do not make this about taking the burden onto your shoulders or taking responsibility for something just to resolve the issue or stop their silence.Don't apologize for the sake of ending the silence if you acknowledge any wrongdoing on your own.
Step 13: Get some therapy.
If the person is a family member, partner or spouse, you may benefit from getting counseling together.Stonewalling, also known as silent treatment, does not lead to feelings of trust, or happiness in a relationship.Both of you should see a therapist to improve your communication.Find a therapist for a couple or family.You can get a recommendation from a friend, family member or physician, or call your insurance provider.
Step 14: You should get social support.
Discuss your experience with a supportive friend or family member.It is possible to talk it over and hear someone else's perspective if you are confused or don't know what to do.It can be helpful to clear your head and organize your thoughts if you talk about it.A good friend is a good listener.If you want support you can talk to a therapist.
Step 15: Do things that make you feel good.
Don't think about how the other person is making you feel.Do things that put you in a good place.You should make time for activities that are important to you.It is a good way to show care for yourself and not let the other person do anything to hurt you.Go for a bike ride, listen to music, paint, or play with your dog.Do the things that make you happy.
Step 16: Relax from time to time.
Dealing with stress can be difficult with the silent treatment.You need to make time for yourself and relax.Try to do a relaxing activity for at least 30 minutes a day.Listen to music, do yoga, or meditate.