The silent treatment can be a form of trying to contain our emotions not to hurt the other person in the heat of the moment. However, it can also be a form of ignoring a person to communicate power over them.
When we refuse to listen, walk out, or pay attention to something else when they speak, when we disregard people to hurt them, manipulate them or punish them, we are still causing harm. Even if seemingly we can get away with it.
This silent form of social rejection was evidenced to have a similar impact on us to that of physical abuse, so we need to stop it. As social animals, we need connection. Using it to hurt people is not okay.
So if it happens, do your best to resolve the issue and repair it asap.
