Dealing with silent treatment as punishment in marriage
Refusing to talk to your partner about an issue is toxic, unhealthy and abusive
Who of us isn’t guilty of giving someone a strong dose of the silent treatment? Feelings bruised from words spoken or actions taken, we retreat into our silent world, hoping to make our partner pay for the harm they’ve done to us.
When silence, or rather the refusal to engage in a conversation, is used as a control tactic to exert power in a relationship, it becomes the silent treatment. Silent treatment is toxic, unhealthy and abusive. But, if being silent means simply taking time out to think things through and then address the issue again later, that is not at all the same thing...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
This article is free to read if you register or sign in.
If you have already registered or subscribed, please sign in to continue.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@sowetanlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.