What is the longest time you gave your husband the "quiet treatment"?

[questioner]

A couple I know has not talked to each other for over a month. Not a word! And they live in the same house! One of them got angry at the other and decided to punish the other one by withdrawing from all communication. Because the wife refused to talk the husband he decided to withdraw also. They continue to sleep in the same bed and be in the same family room in the evenings and weekends but just will not talk to each other. The have no children and have been married for about five years.

I think they have forgotten what the orginal beef was, but each one refuses to make the first move to start talking again. Has anything like this happened in your family?

 

[chris1gill]

Well, if they continue to act like children, someone will have to step in and separate them I guess my FIL used to do this to my MIL years ago, she resented it but never left.... I say, say whatever you're gonna say & get it over with, otherwise, no sense being together.... a bit tough, but when you're married, there's no sense acting like children!

 

[Sandy V.]

My 17 year old DD has a very good friend whose parents are currently doing this - they haven't spoken to each other for some time. Unfortunately, there are children involved, and I know it's very disturbing for my DD's friend. We've told her she can come over and chill at our house anytime when things feel too stressful or sad at home.

I can't imagine staying mad for that long at someone, but that's just me.

DH occasionally gets the "silent treatment", but not for very long. I like conflicts to be resolved!

 

[huey duey & luey]

Not very long, I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut, especially when I am upset

 

[poohandwendy]

I gave up that sort of game playing when we were newly married and I realized it doesn't solve anything.

If I am mad and not talking to my DH, it is only because we have not had a chance to discuss the issue alone...and he knows that time will come soon enough, LOL.

The examples you all mention are disturbing. I cannot imagine...a month? Sheesh, how would you even remember what you were mad about?

 

[luv2nascar]

I last 5 minutes of silent treatment
I'd rather scream and carry on

 

[totalia]

Never have given him the silent treatment. Never will. It doesn't solve anything.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Well, no offense to anyone but that whole silent treatment seems extremely childish and immature to me.

If people are going to behave like that, they are never going to solve the real problems. Either work it out like mature adults, or agree to disagree and let it go.

Don't play games with your spouse/so. What good does it do?

 

[HauteCuisine]

Overnight. We always make up in the morning, no matter what.

 

[JerseyJanice]

No more than a day. Then I deck him with my frying pan.

Darned if I'm going to let him shut me up!

 

[bsnyder]

Darned if I'm going to let him shut me up!

That's MY thinking exactly! My DH would probably PREFER the silent treatment!

 

[orangeblossom]

I've never given him the silent treatment (my S.O.) but I have given him the cold shoulder.