How To Break The Silent Treatment in Marriage?

More or less every relationship witnesses silent treatments, when there is an argument between couples, some of them need silence to cool down their anger and to bring back their emotional balance.

However, if the silent treatment stays for more than 2-3 days or week or month, then there is a serious concern, says marriage counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo. She says when a partner stops talking as a means to get back at the other person, or manipulate them, it can not only prolong problems but destroys the respect the couple has for each other. How can this be prevented from happening?

First, it's important to understand that the silent treatment isn't actually a treatment. Rather discussing the problem, to know and understand how you have felt bad or how your partner gets hurt is much more important to strengthen the relationship.

Whenever you have an argument, try to think of “we” instead of “me”. Think of your spouse as an ally. They should never be considered an enemy. You will be less likely to take offence or argue. You can make an agreement with your mate that using the silent act is not acceptable in your marriage.

Never compete with your partner: Understand if you throw something very hard at someone, chances are less that he or she would be able to catch rather they will get hurt. Similarly, during an argument don’t use personal insults or mock at your partner intensely. Just because he or she has hurt you doesn't mean you would compete by using strong and intense words. By doing so, the situation will just get worse and it will intensify the degree of silence after the fight with your partner.

Do not accept silent treatment as a way of life. There is a limit to how much you can try to cope with someone who keeps resorting to silent treatment behaviour. Relationships should be balanced. Prolong and frequent silent treatment are a very emotionally abusive behaviour. It usually leaves the person who is at the receiving end of the silent treatment frustrated, confused, and angry. Hence, it’s advised, instead of silently accepting the mental torcher and eventually letting the relationship die up, one should approach a marital expert  or a counsellor.