If someone is giving the silent treatment during a conflict, what are they doing?

When someone is giving the silent treatment during a conflict, they are effectively building barriers between themselves and the other person involved. This behavior can create emotional distance and hinder communication, which prevents resolution and understanding of the conflict. The silent treatment serves as a withdrawal from interaction, making it challenging for either party to express their feelings or work through the issue collaboratively.

In contrast, building trust, understanding, or rapport involves open communication, active listening, and a willingness to connect with the other person's perspective. These options reflect positive relationship-building practices, whereas the silent treatment fosters a disconnect that complicates conflict resolution and can cause further misunderstandings or resentment. Thus, recognizing the silent treatment as a means of building barriers is essential for understanding interpersonal dynamics in conflicts.