My calls went straight to voicemail. I was obsessively repeating every conversation and interaction up to that point to see if I missed anything. What horrible act have I committed this time? Why am I being treated like don’t matter or exist — yet again?
Have you ever found yourself in a position where it was nearly impossible to get someone to speak to you or acknowledge you? Perhaps this person was someone you thought you were close to? If so, you have experienced withholding — better known as the silent treatment.
What is the Silent Treatment?
The silent treatment is a behavior where one partner in a relationship ignores the other, and completely stops acknowledging them through any and all forms of communication.
It often follows an intense argument between individuals, and the target of this behavior is more often than not, unaware of the conflict because the one withholding has not communicated it.
Keep in mind that this behavior is not limited to romantic relationships. It can happen between parents and children, friends, and coworkers. And the effect is more intense when executed by someone close to you as punishment.
xoxo
Choose You #15. Should I Feel Sorry for the Narcissist?
