Do you consider the silent treatment to be a form of emotinal abuse?

1. 61

   Jason Hillposted 13 years ago

   Do you consider the silent treatment to be a form of emotinal abuse?
   
   My girlfriend does this to me for days at a time and it drives me nuts!

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2. 66

   Lady Guinevereposted 13 years ago

   When I do this it usually means that if I say anything it will be twisted into meaning something that I didn't mean it to so I just don't say a word.  What are you doing to your girlfriend?  Are you backing her into a corner or can she talk freely without judgements.  Is she allowed to say what is on her mind and are you cutting her off in mid thought or sentence?

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3. 65

   lifeinprimeposted 13 years ago

   Most of the time, it is way for one to control the situation--to be in charge.  Talking about an issue or a situation, if it can be done in a respectable fashion, is best.  It says Let's clear the air, so we can move on.
   
   Women are better at using the silent treatment than us men.  Sometimes, it is best to keep a distance with silence until the problem can be resolved.

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4. 83

   stricktlydatingposted 13 years ago

   Yes if she is giving you the silent treatment for days at a time it is a form of emotional abuse.  Sometimes we all need some space and time to cool down, but it becomes a form of emotional abuse if it's happening regularly and carried out for days a time.  You also said it drives you nuts, she probably knows that which is why she is continuing to do it.  Don't buy into her 'silent treatment' because it may give her some satisfaction to know that that she's 'punishing you'.  Try to switch off to it, and don't buy into her mood, just trying to go about your own life when this happens might help it from getting to you as much, then when she decides she wants to speak to you again tell her that you won't tolerate her silent treatment. Discuss how she may be able to use more productive forms of communicating her feelings.

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5. 81

   dashingscorpioposted 13 years ago

   I'm not sure if it's emotional abuse or a lack of maturity on her part.  She needs to drop her sippy cup and put on her big girl's pants. Mature adults communicate their thoughts and feelings!

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