When is Enough, Enough??

When does giving someone the silent treatment end?  Middle school?  High School?  Ever? I view giving someone the silent treatment as passive/aggressive behavior. What if the person who is getting the silent treatment doesn’t care?  What happens when the person getting the silent treatment does not react?  It seems to me that the person giving it out is only punishing him/herself. Why can’t people just come out with what is bothering them, instead of clamming up and turning infantile? Why can’t we, as intelligent human beings, just say what is on our minds, clear the air, and move on? What is the payoff for shutting up, internally stewing, and being miserable?

Currently, I am going through a 4 day “silent treatment.” Apparently, I have done something (but have no clue what) to piss someone off pretty badly.  When this 50-something person was confronted for an explanation, I got a cross-armed stance, pouting face, and an “I don’t want to talk about it.”  Fine. I guess the problem lies and stays with them until they choose to get it out in the open.  However, when they get it out, there is no more punishment. There is no more problem. Is that the REAL problem?

I guess it is difficult for me to understand the real purpose of the whole  “silent treatment’ thing.  The issue stays in the person’s head.  So, that would lead me to believe the problem stays with them only.  The receiver of the treatment has no link to the problem; so confusing...

I am a “just say it” kind of girl.  Then the issue is out there to be dealt with.  I may never know what I have done to make this person angry. I guess I will just have to wait it out. Until then, I must move on with my life and do what I have to do.

I would love to hear people’s thoughts and opinions on this subject. Please tell me your thoughts below.