A common but dangerous behavior seen in relationships is called stonewalling. This habit is often found in husband-wife relationships and weakens the relationship in the long run. Due to this behaviour, love and respect in the relationship gradually begins to fade away. Let us know what stonewalling is, what are its disadvantages, and how it can be overcome.

What is stonewalling?

Stonewalling means avoiding or refusing communication altogether.

• This happens when a partner refuses to talk after a fight.
• Deliberately not making eye contact, ignoring your partner's feelings, or walking away instead of talking are its main symptoms.
• Instead of resolving a conflict, this behavior pushes it deeper.

Effect of stonewalling on relationships

1. Emotional Distance:

Due to stonewalling, the emotional connection between partners becomes weak.

• Silence or ignoring is very painful for the other partner.
• This creates an environment where both become afraid to share their thoughts and feelings.

2. Lack of love:

When partners avoid conflicts instead of resolving them, gradually love and sympathy disappear from the relationship.

• Stonewalling creates negative feelings in the other person's mind towards the partner.
• This behavior slowly destroys the relationship.

3. Lack of Trust:

Disputes are never resolved properly because of stonewalling.

• This creates a cycle where fights and unresolved issues keep accumulating each time.
• This reduces trust in the relationship and increases the distance between partners.

4. Possibility of breaking the relationship:

Stonewalling behavior over a long period of time can destroy a relationship.

• This happens because one partner feels ignored again and again.
• This situation can lead to divorce or separation.

How to end stonewalling from a relationship?

1. Communicate openly:

• Instead of remaining silent after a fight, try to talk calmly.
• Express your thoughts and feelings and listen carefully to what your partner says.

2. Increase Emotional Intelligence:

• Understand your anger or stress and avoid taking it out on your partner.
• Adopt a balanced and sympathetic approach to resolve conflicts.

3. Set deadlines:

• According to relationship experts, it is best to resolve fights or disagreements within 72 hours.
• Postponing the fight for a long time can make the problem more serious.

4. Seek professional help:

• If fights are occurring frequently and are not resolved, seek help from a relationship counselor.
• Counseling helps in developing better communication and understanding between partners.

5. Respect your partner's feelings:

• Understand how much your words and behavior affect your partner.
• Respect their feelings and try to find a solution to the dispute together.