How do you break silence after an argument?

Asked by: Fidel Durgan V  |  Last update: November 7, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (35 votes)

Don't let post-argument awkward silences go on longer than they have to. The longer it goes on, the harder it is to break out of it. The best thing you can do is to take a deep breath and pretend nothing happened. Pick a positive topic of conversation or make small talk.

Why do I go silent after an argument?

Not everyone talks much after an argument because silence is their coping mechanism. It is important to find out if it is your partner's behavior and be patient with them. It might be challenging to deal with, especially if it is a long-distance relationship.

What is the silent treatment after a fight?

What is the silent treatment? The silent treatment can be defined as a shift from regular relationship conversation and engagement, to minimal or no engagement that lasts for longer than a reasonable 'cooling down period' after an argument or issue.

How do you break tension after a fight?

6 expert-approved tips on how to make up after a fight
  1. Give each other space. “Sometimes it's necessary to take time to calm down either during or after an argument with your partner,” says Dr. ...
  2. Don't pretend like it didn't happen. ...
  3. Avoid the silent treatment. ...
  4. Talk about the fight. ...
  5. Take accountability. ...
  6. Come up with a game plan.

How do you talk again after an argument?

The principles for having a healing conversation after a fight
  1. Make sure you're inside your window of tolerance. ...
  2. Check in with your partner. ...
  3. Take responsibility for your part in it. ...
  4. Ask your partner what they need to hear in order to move forward. ...
  5. Repeat exactly what your partner said they need to hear.

He’s Silent After An Argument. How Do I Deal With That Attitude?

37 related questions found

How long after a fight should you talk?

"The three day rule is when one partner is waiting for the other to reach out first after a disagreement or an argument," says Coach Braker. "The challenge is that if they don't reach out within three days, the assumption is that the partner doesn't care, so [they] should break up and end the relationship."

How long do you have to give space after a fight?

The 3 day rule after argument is a common practice in relationships where individuals agree to take a 3 day relationship break from each other after a heated disagreement. During this time, both parties cool off, reflect on their feelings/thoughts, and avoid communication with each other.

How do you reconnect emotionally after a fight?

How to Reconnect After an Argument with Your Partner
  1. Let yourself cool off. Sometimes we can do or say things during an argument that we don't mean. ...
  2. Realize you don't have to be right. ...
  3. Acknowledge it happened. ...
  4. Prove that you were listening. ...
  5. Spend some time together. ...
  6. Look into couples therapy.

How do you stop awkward silence after a fight?

How to Make Things Less Awkward After a Fight & Feel Closer Again
  1. Avoid arguing in the first place.
  2. Let go and don't hold a grudge.
  3. Don't overanalyze the argument.
  4. Make a physical show of affection.
  5. Apologize and admit where you were wrong.
  6. Break awkward silences with a positive topic of conversation.

How do you restart a relationship after a fight?

How to Reset and Reconnect After a Fight or Argument
  1. See arguments as a natural part of life.
  2. Recognize that arguments can be beneficial.
  3. Give yourself time to calm down.
  4. Make sure you address the issue(s) that come up.
  5. Get to the root of the issue(s).

What type of person gives the silent treatment?

Some reasons why your partner may rely on the silent treatment include: They have poor communication skills and don't know how to express their needs or emotions. They struggle with control issues. They are not self-aware enough about their use of the silent treatment to make changes.

What is hurtful silent treatment?

The silent treatment is a form of social ostracization and a common tool used during conflict within many relationship types to inflict pain. It involves refusing to communicate with someone who is willing to communicate.

How long does silent treatment last?

A narcissist's silent treatment can last hours, days, weeks, or even months. If you are experiencing the silent treatment, it is very important that you don't give in to their manipulation and prepare yourself for the powerful manipulation tactics that they will use to end the silent treatment.

Is going silent a trauma response?

Silence intensifies the impact of trauma, and trauma that goes unspoken, un-witnessed, and unclaimed too often "outs itself" as more violence to self or others.

What is stonewalling after an argument?

"Stonewalling is when, during an argument or disagreement, someone begins to shut down, withdraw from the conversation, and build a wall between themselves and the other person," explains trauma-informed psychotherapist Ludine Pierre, LPCC.

How do you make things normal after a fight?

7 Things to Do After a Fight If You Wanna Avoid More Blow Ups in the Future
  1. Calm yourself down. ...
  2. Reflect while alone. ...
  3. Journal or jot down some triggers or phrases that you said that could've potentially upset your partner. ...
  4. Be honest about when you're ready to talk again.

Why do I emotionally shut down after a fight?

“In the face of physical or emotional pain, or a traumatic incident, our sympathetic nervous system has three responses: fight, flight or freeze. Emotional numbing is freezing. Our brain shuts down as a protective response to keep us safe when our nervous system is overloaded,” he says.

What not to do after a fight?

6 Things You Should Never Do After Fighting With Your Partner
  • Don't start ignoring what they are saying. ...
  • Don't hold onto the cause of the fight. ...
  • Don't disrespect your partner when they ask for some space. ...
  • Don't make excuses for all that you said in anger. ...
  • Don't be difficult and stubborn.

How do you break the ice with your partner after a fight?

If it's too awkward to face your partner after a fight, you can break the ice by sending them a cute, thoughtful text telling them how much they mean to you, or use some humour to your rescue. So next time when you see them, it's going to be much less awkward for both of you.

How do you reconnect with someone who hurt you?

Photos courtesy of the individual members.
  1. Go At It With An Open Heart And Mind. ...
  2. Don't Find Excuses, Just Reach Out. ...
  3. Set A Daily Goal. ...
  4. Practice Asking Better Questions. ...
  5. Reconnect For The Right Reasons. ...
  6. Take Ownership And Be Curious. ...
  7. Be Generous And Forgiving. ...
  8. Don't Make It About You.

How do you step back emotionally?

The Healing Power of “Stepping Back” From Intense Emotional Situations
  1. R-recognize what is going on. Recognizing involves consciously acknowledging your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. ...
  2. A-allow the experience to be there. Just as it is. ...
  3. I-investigate with interest and care. ...
  4. N-nurture with self-compassion.

What is the 3 days rule?

Say, for example, the three-day rule. Popularized by the romcom, the three-day dating rule insists that a person wait three full days before contacting a potential suitor. A first-day text or call is too eager, a second-day contact seems planned, but three days is, somehow, the perfect amount of time.

Can things go back to normal after a fight?

Healing your relationship following an argument can take time, persistence, and patience. By communicating and problem-solving together, it's possible to work through the pain and hurt. You can understand one another better, strengthen your relationship, and discover a solution that can work for both of you.

What is the 72 hour rule in arguments?

02/7​What is the 72-hour rule? This rule is simple. Whenever something tends to upset you or someone's actions or words infuriate you, wait for 72 hours before showing your emotions. In simpler words, hold back your immediate reaction and give yourself 72 hours before coming down to any conclusion.

Why won t he talk to me after a fight?

He is probably dealing with his own emotions and trying to make sense of the issue at hand before he approaches you and tries to sort things out. If your guy is ignoring you after a fight, then he could well be processing his own feelings, and sometimes the silent treatment has its benefits.