We’ve all been there. One second you’re in the middle of an argument, and the next, your partner suddenly goes silent. They avert their gaze, refusing to respond and abruptly shutting you out.
This experience — known as stonewalling — is beyond frustrating, and over time, it can chip away at the emotional foundation of a relationship.Stonewalling is a form of emotional withdrawal that occurs when one partner shuts down during conflict.
It might feel like rejection or a form of punishment, but stonewalling usually isn’t motivated by ill intentions. It’s more often a defense mechanism utilized to protect from anxiety or escalating conflict.According to renowned relationship experts Drs.
Julie and John Gottman, stonewalling is one of the “four horsemen of the apocalypse” — a term they use to describe four unhealthy communication behaviors that can lead to the breakdown of a relationship.
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