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Summary:

In this episode, Robert and Sharla Snow discuss the challenge of difficult conversations and the consequences of the silent treatment in relationships. They explain the difference between silence and the silent treatment, highlighting the importance of avoiding the latter. The hosts also explore the reasons why people use the silent treatment and the emotional abuse it can cause. They provide solutions for breaking the silence, including acknowledging the issue, overcoming fear, and seeking help if needed.

Takeaways:

Difficult conversations are necessary in relationships, and avoiding them can lead to emotional distance.

The silent treatment is a form of emotional abuse that can make the recipient feel rejected and unimportant.

Silence can be acceptable in certain situations, such as taking a break during a heated conversation or removing oneself from verbal abuse.

To break the silence, it is important to acknowledge the issue, communicate honestly and without blame, and keep trying even if it is challenging.

Chapters:

02:29 The Consequences of the Silent Treatment

03:55 Difference Between Silence and the Silent Treatment

05:46 The Silent Treatment as Emotional Abuse

07:09 Reasons for Using the Silent Treatment

09:31 Avoiding the Silent Treatment

13:16 Research on the Silent Treatment

15:10 Solutions: Breaking the Silence

17:04 Acknowledging the Silence

19:51 Overcoming Fear of Addressing the Silence

23:41 Keep Trying and Seek Help if Needed

24:10 Conclusion

Other research and resources mentioned in this episode:

Schrodt P, Witt P, Shimkowski J. A meta-analytical review of the demand/withdraw pattern of interaction and its associations with individual, relational, and communicative outcomes. Communication Monographs, 2014;81(1):28. doi:10.1080/03637751.2013.81363

Additional Reading:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3218801/