What is the silent treatment?

The silent treatment encompasses any number of behaviors that involve intentionally ignoring and/or not speaking to someone.

Why people use the silent treatment.

Sarah Regan

Effects on the relationship.

In this experiment, he says, the babies make constant bids for connection.

They try, it doesn’t work, and the babies freak out and start crying.

Chamin Ajjan, LCSW, A-CBT, CST

And eventually, they withdraw and pull into themselves.

How to handle someone giving you the silent treatment:

Call out the behavior.

Set a boundary or ground rule.

Assess whether the behavior improves.

How to stop giving the silent treatment.

I’m not shutting you outjust give me some time."

The takeaway.