How do you fix a relationship after the silent treatment?

[tischro]

My boyfriend has just returned from a silent treatment, I don't know what to do... How should I communicate with him?

Do you know what ''silent treatment'' mean in a relationship?

[experience]

The silent treatment, that classic move in the relationship playbook that no one's really a fan of, right? But hey, we've all been there at some point, either dishing it out or on the receiving end. Fixing things afterward can feel a bit like navigating a minefield, but it's definitely doable with some patience and effort. Here's a game plan that might help:

Break the Ice: Starting the conversation is the hardest part. You might have to be the bigger person here and initiate. A simple, "Hey, can we talk?" can go a long way. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, just a genuine attempt to start a dialogue.

Acknowledge the Silence: Address the elephant in the room. Say something like, "I know we've both been giving each other the silent treatment, and that's not helping us." Acknowledging the situation shows that you're aware and that you care enough to fix it.

Express Your Feelings: This is not about playing the blame game. Use "I" statements to express how the situation made you feel. For instance, "I felt hurt and ignored when we stopped talking." It's about expressing your feelings without pointing fingers.

Listen to Their Side: This part is crucial. Let them share their perspective without interrupting. Sometimes, just feeling heard can defuse a lot of tension. They might have been giving you the silent treatment for reasons you hadn't considered.

Apologize and Forgive: If you played a part in the conflict, own up to it and apologize. And if they apologize, try to forgive.

Find a Solution Together: Discuss ways to avoid this in the future. Maybe you both can agree on a "timeout" signal when things get too heated, with the promise to revisit the discussion after cooling down.

Rebuild Trust Gradually: Trust doesn't mend overnight, especially after a bout of silent treatment. Be patient with each other.

Professional Help: Sometimes, the roots of the issue are deeper than they seem.

Addressing it is the first step, but working on the underlying problems is where the real healing starts. It's all about communication, patience, and a bit of vulnerability...

[PetLover24]

Generally "silent treatment" is just one of many tricks abusive manipulative - narassitic - partners use on other people as a means of "control" and "power" in their minds.

So how do you fix it?

You don't.

Anyone who thinks "silent treatment" is acceptable behavior is too immature, too childish, or too emotionally stunted to react to situations like a decent person. Adults talk and discuss their problems. Toddlers sulk in a corner & give "silent treatment"

We all need a few hours - or a day even - to blow off steam if a serious argument. But "silent treatment" is usually more than a day or two, sometimes even weeks. It's, as said above, a manipulative form of abusive control by a narassitic individual.

[Purpleronnie]

So you know specifically that he was purposely giving you the silent treatment? If not it seems odd that you wouldn’t attempt to be attentive and ask him why he was being so quiet. I don’t have time for anyone giving me the silent treatment it that’s actually what they are doing. Sometimes in relationships partners can just be processing through stuff , it doesn’t have to be about the relationship or you but it may mean that they aren’t as engaging as usual. That’s why I say you always teach out to them and ask. Of the silent treatment is towards you for something they think you done or said or meant then it needs to be talked about and set right. Either way if someone can’t verbalize their feelings calmly and rationally for me that’s a big red flag 🚩

[tremendousfern]

I can understand wanting some time alone and space after a fight to calm down. But "the silent treatment" is unacceptable. I'd make my expectations clear that playing childish games like that isn't an acceptable behavior in a relationship and if she wasn't on board with that, then it's time we went our separate ways.

[SphynxUK]

Some people don’t like to talk or get emotional so they clam up. Some are immature, so stop talking. And some are experiencing a ‘shut down’ or have gone ‘non verbal’ due to overwhelm etc. We dont know which one he is, but you do. So, please talk to him about it. I’m sure you’ll realise whether you want to be with him or not.
If it’s a case of you having to ‘make it up to him’, leave now!

[NathanDavis]

the one time I got the silent treatment... we didn't speak for 9 months or so

so no, it doesn't happen in my relationships... lol, that's childish

[D_Bone_Steak]

How about you start by not being silent?

... that's like some mean shit parents do to their kids and some fuckers out there consider it child abuse or neglect. Why do that with someone you supposedly love?

[Bklynbadboy12]

First off, the silent treatment is absolutely unacceptable. Behave, you can't fix anything if you don't communicate. Honestly and open and hash things out. Explain to him how you feel and that this can happen again and in the future. When you do have problems, you'll sit down like adults and work through them. If not, I'll promise you the relationship is not gonna work.

[electromagnetic]

I usually ask if he wants something to eat. Then we usually pick up convo again. Sometimes it’s a little harder but communication is key.

[Ironco]

It means one of you really pissed off the other. But if a man is giving you the silent treatment, it is his way of coping with the situation. He is in his head figuring things out. Leave him be, he'll come around.

[HelpfulWoman]

you don't. you end any relationship where either party thinks "silent treatment" is at all okay.

[AngryCarl]

I don't think you can "fix" a relationship. It either works or it doesn't.

So your boyfriend decided to quit sulking like a little baby? Good for him.

[KrakenAttackin]

This is a colossal bitch thing to do to him. He would be right to dump you.

[Peridot25]

I don’t think she was the one who gave the silent treatment. Or did I read that wrong? 🤔

[Djaay]

Peridot... Boyfriend jus

[Djaay]

Returned from a silent treatment... meaning she gave the silent treatment. You read it wrong

[boggboss]

Open communication fix what caused the issue

[DreamLife7]

He doesn't like u move on