When in conflict with someone, some people may prefer to remain silent and avoid or cut off communication for some time. This attitude is a form of silent treatment. Instead of solving the problem, this can actually make the problem more complicated, you know.
Silent treatment is the attitude when a person prefers to remain silent and ignore the person in conflict with him. This behavior does not include an attitude that is done temporarily to calm yourself down and reduce emotions, but can last for a long period of time up to days or even weeks.
This behavior can occur in any relationship, be it with your partner, family, friends, or coworkers.
Not only because of the conflict, silent treatment can also be described when the victim of abuse does not want to talk about what happened to others. This usually aims to protect themselves and prevent acts of violence or threats from the perpetrators.
On the other hand, silent treatment can also appear as a form of reaction when someone is feeling frustrated in the face of a problem. However, once the situation is under control, this attitude can disappear and the person can be invited to communicate again as usual.
Know the Impact Silent Treatment
Silent treatment usually done by someone because they do not want to face conflict with certain people.
However, sometimes silent treatment it can also be a form of emotional abuse and manipulation, in which the abuser is intentionally cold in order to punish and expect others to apologize to him. This is a form of passive aggressive behavior to control someone.
The person who gets the treatment silent treatment can feel some of the following effects:
- Confusion or fear
- Angry
- Feeling rejected and ostracized
- Feeling disrespected, valued, or loved
- Hopeless
- Self-esteem The low one
- Frustrated
If this treatment occurs repeatedly, the impact can develop into various health problems, such as fibromyalgia, eating disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, to depression.
A study stated that silent treatment what happens in a partner tends to continue to cause disputes, because they do not have the opportunity to discuss and resolve every problem.
Problems that continue to accumulate and drag on can also create toxic relationship, lack of intimacy, poor communication, it can even end in separation. This can also lead to ghosting.
How to Deal with Treatment Silent Treatment
Handle treat silent treatment extra patience is required. In fact, sometimes you need to give in a little and lower your ego to prevent the bad effects of this attitude.
Some of the following tips may be able to help you to deal with silent treatment:
1. Approach carefully
Approaching in a gentle and kind way may be a way to reduce this attitude. Tell him that you've noticed his behavior has never responded to you, and that you really want to know the reason why his attitude is cold.
If he's still ignoring him and isn't responding, give him time to control himself. Then, try to arrange time with him to discuss the problem, when he has calmed down.
2. Express your feelings honestly
You can express what you feel when you get silent treatment. Explain to the person that this behavior is not a good way to solve problems. This actually makes you feel lonely, frustrated, and hurt your feelings.
3. Be calm
Silent treatment can sometimes trigger emotions and feelings of anger. However, it's good that you don't get carried away by emotions, okay? Try to stay calm so as not to make the situation worse.
In addition, even if the problem that occurs is not entirely your fault, try to give in and lower your ego. Apologize sincerely and tell him that you won't do it again.
However, if this happens often and makes you feel inferior, try to re-evaluate whether this relationship is really worth keeping. If silent treatment you get from a coworker in the office, you can try to be professional or try to talk to your manager about this.
4. Focus on yourself
In addition to trying to suppress his cold attitude, it would be nice if you also focus on yourself. Take time that can make you more calm and comfortable by doing positive things, such as pursuing hobbies, sports, or socializing with your family or friends.
now, that's how to handle silent treatment which can be tried. If everything is improving, you and he should discuss how to improve good communication between the two of you, okay? With that, attitude silent treatment can be prevented in the future.
Sometimes, silence is the best choice so you don't make decisions or say things that you will regret later. However, it is important to set boundaries for yourself, yes.
If after doing the tips above you still get this treatment until it interferes with your activities and makes you feel down, you should immediately consult a doctor or psychologist for the best advice.
