What does silence mean in a relationship?

I bet you thought quickly about this question and you already have the answer, but the silence goes far beyond the lack of words.

According to the Michaelis dictionary, some of the definitions for silence are: complete absence of noise; state of being silent or abstaining from speaking; refusal to speak or the voluntary abstention from speaking, from uttering any word or sound, from writing, from expressing one’s thoughts.

It is easier for us to interpret the silence of the other only as the lack of an answer, but when we stop to calmly analyze it, it is clear that behind the closed posture in front of a question there are many unspoken answers.

When we relate this issue to marriage, we certainly remember some situations we’ve been through or even heard a friend report.

Many men or women find it very difficult to talk about feelings, a delicate subject that almost always reminds of a raised discussion, this is because we end up choosing a path that is not assertive to reach a good result.

Silence can mean so many things that go beyond simply keeping quiet, such as not wanting to expose what you really feel so as not to hurt the other, not knowing how to say something you don’t like, but the most important thing here is to make it clear that when the other doesn’t answering our questions is also a way of saying something.

Silence can also be yes, it can be no, and often this way of being quiet should be understood better, because we are looking for words when in fact silence already says everything we need to know, doesn’t it?

In this way, we need to reflect on what we are looking for – what is this truth that we want so much to hear that it needs to be reinforced by the words of the other? We may think that listening will make it easier to make a decision, but what is sought is often greater pain, as if only in this way will you have the courage to take action.

Important tips for dealing with silence

Don’t assume the whys for the other: this aspect is very common in couples’ fights, because we always “think” that the other did something according to our personal references on a certain subject. It is important to make room to listen and then reflect on the other person’s point of view.

Don’t blame the partner: blaming someone will not help at all in the couple’s communication, we need to talk about what we feel, the whys, and wait for the other’s reaction and explanation, because accusing only brings more heartache in the couple’s relationship. If it doesn’t happen the way you would like, know how to silence and make the decisions that are convenient at the moment.

Know how to read silence: we often know clearly what silence means, but we ignore it and want clear communication. But each one has a way of being, and if you can understand these messages, you will be able to harmonize with your partner.