Sometimes, people in relationships can get so upset at their partners that they refuse to speak to them. The silent treatment can be one of the worst situations to deal with in a relationship. This is where they completely ignore their partner. The silent treatment can be just as, if not more, damaging than actual words of anger and jealousy. The silent treatment can damage the connection you have with your partner and may even end the relationship. Repeated use of the silent treatment can be considered abusive. Being on the receiving end of the silent treatment hurts, and does not solve any of the relationship’s problems. The best way to fix what is wrong is to talk about the issue. Effectively dealing with the silent treatment can prevent you from experiencing the negative emotions that are associated with it.
Know the timing – You must wait for your partner to calm down and start speaking to you again. One of the good thing that may bring by silent treatment, you may not say anything in anger that may possibly hurt your partner. Permitting the person time to refocus will help the two of you to talk out your differences when the time is right.
Do not annoy him/her – Repeatedly asking the person to talk to you might annoy him/her. Since most silent treatment is about power and control, by asking the person to talk to you, you are giving that person the control in the relationship. This person is likely to keep the silent treatment going if he knows it is bothering you, or use it again in the future if you are fighting.
Spend time alone – You must spend time away from your partner who is giving you the silent treatment, especially if you are feeling emotionally drained from the lack of communication. Time away from the person who is giving you the silent treatment may make him realize how important the relationship is to him, prompting him to initiate speaking to you again. Sometimes, time alone is what people’s need to think things clearly.
Talk to him/her – After a long silent treatment, it is important to talk all the things out. Discuss the things that brought you to silent treatment and clarify owning an understandable heart. Be polite and do not start giving the silent treatment back in retaliation. Remember that two wrong things do not make a right and if you both start giving each other the silent treatment, you might never speak again. In addition, you might tell to your partner that he/she needs to understand that you will not tolerate being ignored, and that maintaining the silence will lead to the end of the relationship.
Be patient – Most people will not go long periods of time without speaking to the person they care about. Eventually, the person you are feuding with will see the mistakes of his/her way and begin speaking to you again. After all, if this person truly loves you he/she might never let your relationship be ruined by simple misunderstanding.