{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","path":"/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","title":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment","family":"Library detail","description":"Discover the harmful impact of silent treatment in relationships and its passive aggressive nature. Seek marriage counseling for intimacy and trust.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","wordpressId":"5507","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[],"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:49Z","dateModified":"2025-09-08T11:53:02Z"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library\">Library</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships\">Relationships</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Relationships and the Silent Treatment</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page article-standard\" data-library-standard><div class=\"article-main-grid\"><header class=\"article-heading\"><h1>Relationships and the Silent Treatment</h1><div class=\"article-dates\"><span>Published on <time datetime=\"2024-05-31T23:31:49Z\">May 31, 2024</time></span><span aria-hidden=\"true\"> · </span><span>Updated on <time datetime=\"2025-09-08T11:53:02Z\">September 8, 2025</time></span></div></header><div class=\"article-jumpbar\"></div><div class=\"article-layout\"><div class=\"article-reading\"><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\"><p></p><div class=\"snippet-lead-in clearfix\"> <div class=\"col-md-6\"> <span id=\"relationships-and-the-silent-treatment-one-of-our-readers-e-mailed-a-question-about-a-friend-who-uses-the-silent-treatment-the-reader-wanted-to-understand-what-this-was-all-about-here-is-a-continued-and-longer-explanation-of-the-answer-already-provided\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"relationships-and-the-silent-treatment\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"relationships-and-the-silent-treatment\">Relationships and the Silent Treatment</h2> One of our readers E. Mailed a question about a friend who uses the \"silent treatment.\" The reader wanted to understand what this was all about. Here is a continued and longer explanation of the answer already provided. <p>Does your husband, wife or intimate partner use the silent treatment when upset about something? The silent treatment is one of the most damaging relationship problems. Why is this? What is it?</p></div> <div class=\"col-md-6\"> <div class=\"snippet-img-wrap ib\">  </div> </div> </div><hr><figure class=\"article-feature\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-10366.webp\" alt=\"A couple relaxes together on an outdoor sofa.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"633\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\"></figure><section class=\"article-takeaways\" aria-labelledby=\"key-takeaways\"><h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key takeaways</h2><ul><li>The silent treatment communicates displeasure through withdrawal while leaving the underlying problem unspoken.</li><li>Used as a power tactic, it can damage intimacy, trust, and constructive communication.</li><li>The article identifies relationship counseling as a way to address this harmful pattern.</li></ul></section><h2 id=\"the-silent-treatment\">The Silent Treatment</h2><p>The<strong> silent treatment</strong> or \"stonewalling\" refers to someone who is letting you know that something is wrong without telling you why. If you ask if anything is wrong, you are met with silence. There is no explanation, no response of any kind, only stony silence.</p><p>Too many people, within the context of their intimate relationship, <em>seem to believe that their partner can read their mind</em>. In other words, there is an incorrect <em>notion that you should know why he or she is upset.</em> Most often, <em>the recipient of the silence is left with feelings of confusion and exasperation</em> as they try to resolve the problem<em>.</em> <strong>However</strong>,<strong> how can someone resolve a problem when they do not know what is wrong?</strong></p><hr><h2 id=\"expression-of-anger\">Expression of Anger</h2><p>On a deeper level, there is really a <em>power struggle</em> going on for the partner who has lapsed into silence. The silent treatment is really the <em>expression of lots of aggression.</em></p><p>The ultimate goal of the strategy is to <strong>win</strong>. The silent partner is expressing rage in a way that is passive aggressive. This is <strong>designed to get attention and to provoke feelings of guilt.</strong> <em>Winning means that the target person admits to having committed some type of offense for which they are now begging forgiveness.</em></p><p>The paradox in this situation that ultimately gets provoked is anger that then leads to a very loud argument.</p><hr><h2 id=\"moving-forward\">Moving Forward</h2><p> </p><div class=\"snippet-img-wrap snippet-img right\"><div class=\"caption\"> <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/introduction-to-anger-management\" class=\"article-inline-link\">More on Anger &amp; Anger Management </a></div></div><p>Because the use of this passive aggressive weapon is so damaging to relationships <em>it is important that the couple seek marriage counseling.</em> <strong>Stonewalling does not promote intimacy, trust or marital and relational happiness.</strong></p><p>By the way, there are those <strong>parents</strong> who use this weapon on their children, refusing to talk to or acknowledge them until they have apologized for some mysterious affront they have allegedly committed.</p><p>What are your experiences with the silent treatment? Your comments are strongly encouraged.</p><p>Allan N. Schwartz, PhD</p></article><div class=\"article-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-about article-panel\"><h2 id=\"about-mentalhealth-com\">About MentalHealth.com</h2><p>MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.</p><div class=\"article-contributors\"></div></section><section class=\"article-medical article-panel article-pending\" role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Pending medical review\"><h2 id=\"medical-review-status\">Pending Medical Review</h2><p>We take mental health content seriously and follow industry-leading guidelines to ensure our users access the highest quality information. All editorial decisions for published content are made by the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team, with guidance from our Clinical Affairs Team.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy\">Our medical review process</a></section><section class=\"article-expert article-expert-mobile\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9366.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince\">Dana Vince</a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Relationships and marriage counseling</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community article-topic-community-mobile\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17221.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Relationships</h2><p>Connect around communication, closeness, boundaries, and the relationships that matter to you.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/relationships\">Explore community</a></section></div></div><aside class=\"article-sidebar\" tabindex=\"0\" data-bounded-rail=\"\" aria-label=\"Article navigation and related information\"><details class=\"article-contents\" open data-section-preview=\"3\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-scrolled-past=\"false\"><summary><strong>Table of contents</strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><small data-current-section=\"\">Choose a section</small></summary><nav aria-label=\"Article contents\"><ol id=\"article-section-list\"><li><a href=\"#relationships-and-the-silent-treatment\" title=\"Relationships and the Silent Treatment\" aria-label=\"Relationships and the Silent Treatment\">Relationships and the Silent Treatment</a></li><li><a href=\"#the-silent-treatment\" title=\"The Silent Treatment\" aria-label=\"The Silent Treatment\">The Silent Treatment</a></li><li><a href=\"#expression-of-anger\" title=\"Expression of Anger\" aria-label=\"Expression of Anger\">Expression of Anger</a></li><li><a href=\"#moving-forward\" title=\"Moving Forward\" aria-label=\"Moving Forward\">Moving Forward</a></li></ol><button type=\"button\" class=\"article-sections-toggle\" data-sections-toggle aria-controls=\"article-section-list\" aria-expanded=\"false\">View more</button></nav></details><section class=\"article-expert\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9366.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince\">Dana Vince</a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Relationships and marriage counseling</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17221.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Relationships</h2><p>Connect around communication, closeness, boundaries, and the relationships that matter to you.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/relationships\">Explore community</a></section></aside></div></div></div>","text":"HomeLibraryRelationshipsRelationships and the Silent TreatmentRelationships and the Silent TreatmentPublished on May 31, 2024 · Updated on September 8, 2025 Relationships and the Silent Treatment One of our readers E. Mailed a question about a friend who uses the \"silent treatment.\" The reader wanted to understand what this was all about. Here is a continued and longer explanation of the answer already provided. Does your husband, wife or intimate partner use the silent treatment when upset about something? The silent treatment is one of the most damaging relationship problems. Why is this? What is it? Key takeawaysThe silent treatment communicates displeasure through withdrawal while leaving the underlying problem unspoken.Used as a power tactic, it can damage intimacy, trust, and constructive communication.The article identifies relationship counseling as a way to address this harmful pattern.The Silent TreatmentThe silent treatment or \"stonewalling\" refers to someone who is letting you know that something is wrong without telling you why. If you ask if anything is wrong, you are met with silence. There is no explanation, no response of any kind, only stony silence.Too many people, within the context of their intimate relationship, seem to believe that their partner can read their mind. In other words, there is an incorrect notion that you should know why he or she is upset. Most often, the recipient of the silence is left with feelings of confusion and exasperation as they try to resolve the problem. However, how can someone resolve a problem when they do not know what is wrong?Expression of AngerOn a deeper level, there is really a power struggle going on for the partner who has lapsed into silence. The silent treatment is really the expression of lots of aggression.The ultimate goal of the strategy is to win. The silent partner is expressing rage in a way that is passive aggressive. This is designed to get attention and to provoke feelings of guilt. Winning means that the target person admits to having committed some type of offense for which they are now begging forgiveness.The paradox in this situation that ultimately gets provoked is anger that then leads to a very loud argument.Moving Forward More on Anger & Anger Management Because the use of this passive aggressive weapon is so damaging to relationships it is important that the couple seek marriage counseling. Stonewalling does not promote intimacy, trust or marital and relational happiness.By the way, there are those parents who use this weapon on their children, refusing to talk to or acknowledge them until they have apologized for some mysterious affront they have allegedly committed.What are your experiences with the silent treatment? Your comments are strongly encouraged.Allan N. Schwartz, PhDAbout MentalHealth.comMentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.Pending Medical ReviewWe take mental health content seriously and follow industry-leading guidelines to ensure our users access the highest quality information. All editorial decisions for published content are made by the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team, with guidance from our Clinical Affairs Team.Our medical review processSubject matter expertDana VinceRelationships and marriage counselingView experienceRelated communitiesRelationshipsConnect around communication, closeness, boundaries, and the relationships that matter to you.Explore communityTable of contentsChoose a sectionRelationships and the Silent TreatmentThe Silent TreatmentExpression of AngerMoving ForwardView moreSubject matter expertDana VinceRelationships and marriage counselingView experienceRelated communitiesRelationshipsConnect around communication, closeness, boundaries, and the relationships that matter to you.Explore community","wordCount":571},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Relationships","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-10366.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-10366.webp","width":1200,"height":633,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A couple relaxes together on an outdoor sofa."},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","headline":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment","description":"Discover the harmful impact of silent treatment in relationships and its passive aggressive nature. Seek marriage counseling for intimacy and trust.","wordCount":438,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Library","inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:49Z","dateModified":"2025-09-08T11:53:02Z","image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#primaryimage"}},{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#webpage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","name":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment","description":"Discover the harmful impact of silent treatment in relationships and its passive aggressive nature. Seek marriage counseling for intimacy and trust.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#article"},"relatedLink":["https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-support","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/survival-tips-for-long-distance-relationships","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relational-communication","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/the-4-stages-of-dating-relationships-tips-for-couples","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince"],"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"medicalAudience":{"@type":"MedicalAudience","audienceType":"General public"},"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:49Z","dateModified":"2025-09-08T11:53:02Z","primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#primaryimage"}}]},"representations":{"html":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","json":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment.json","jsonLd":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment.ld.json"},"$schema":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/page.schema.json","images":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-10366.webp","alt":"A couple relaxes together on an outdoor sofa.","width":1200,"height":633},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9366.jpg","alt":"","width":64,"height":64},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17221.webp","alt":"","width":48,"height":48}],"sections":[{"id":"relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","title":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#relationships-and-the-silent-treatment"},{"id":"key-takeaways","title":"Key takeaways","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#key-takeaways"},{"id":"the-silent-treatment","title":"The Silent Treatment","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#the-silent-treatment"},{"id":"expression-of-anger","title":"Expression of Anger","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#expression-of-anger"},{"id":"moving-forward","title":"Moving Forward","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#moving-forward"},{"id":"about-mentalhealth-com","title":"About MentalHealth.com","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#about-mentalhealth-com"},{"id":"medical-review-status","title":"Pending Medical Review","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#medical-review-status"}],"references":[],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library","label":"Library"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships","label":"Relationships"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/introduction-to-anger-management","label":"More on Anger & Anger Management"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy","label":"Our medical review process"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince","label":"Dana Vince"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/relationships","label":"Explore community"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","label":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#the-silent-treatment","label":"The Silent Treatment"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#expression-of-anger","label":"Expression of Anger"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment#moving-forward","label":"Moving Forward"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince","label":"Dana Vince"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/dana-vince","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/relationships","label":"Explore community"}],"seo":{"title":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment | MentalHealth.com","description":"Discover the harmful impact of silent treatment in relationships and its passive aggressive nature. Seek marriage counseling for intimacy and trust.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/library.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Library","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"library"}},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"name":"Library","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"name":"Relationships","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships"},{"name":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/relationships-and-the-silent-treatment"}],"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Dana Vince","url":"/people/dana-vince","profileId":"6375","topic":"relationships","focus":"Relationships and marriage counseling","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"keyTakeaways":["The silent treatment communicates displeasure through withdrawal while leaving the underlying problem unspoken.","Used as a power tactic, it can damage intimacy, trust, and constructive communication.","The article identifies relationship counseling as a way to address this harmful pattern."],"navigation":[{"label":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment","href":"#relationships-and-the-silent-treatment","heading":"Relationships and the Silent Treatment"},{"label":"The Silent Treatment","href":"#the-silent-treatment","heading":"The Silent Treatment"},{"label":"Expression of Anger","href":"#expression-of-anger","heading":"Expression of Anger"},{"label":"Moving Forward","href":"#moving-forward","heading":"Moving Forward"}],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/relationships","basis":"topic match"},"reviewer":null,"introduction":null,"collections":[]}