What is the best way to handle the silent treatment?

Answer 1

No one deserves to be subjected to this form of emotional blackmail. Feeling ignored, disrespected, or shut out, and to not know why, is a terrible feeling. The first thing to remember if this is happening to you is that you are not to blame. You are caught in someone else's pain pattern. This person does not know how to express feelings in a healthy way probably because this is what they learned as a child. When someone gives you the silent treatment ask them, preferably in person, to sit down with you and explain what is wrong. That if they stay silent, nothing will change. If reason does not work, for your own sake, pull away and try not to dwell on the relationship. You should not have to endure such treatment. Find a healthy way to move on and keep yourself emotionally healthy.