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Conflict Behaviors
Stonewalling
Refusing to engage in communication or emotionally withdrawing during conflict.
Severity
✅Healthy end
Communicating 'I need a break, let's talk in an hour' and returning to resolve the issue.
❌Unhealthy end
Repeatedly refusing to engage in communication as a way to control or punish.
Examples
Shutting down and refusing to respond during arguments
Walking away without explanation
Giving a blank stare and not engaging
Physically leaving the room every time conflict arises
Common Signs
Refuses to engage in discussion
Emotionally withdraws during conflict
Becomes unresponsive
Avoids all conflict resolution
Sometimes a stress response rather than intentional
Often Confused With
Needing spaceSilent treatment
Educational Note
Stonewalling can sometimes be a physiological stress response rather than intentional manipulation. However, when used repeatedly to punish or control, it becomes emotionally harmful. Understanding the difference matters.
What You Can Do
- 1Request a specific time to resume the conversation
- 2Recognize if stonewalling is a stress response
- 3Address the pattern outside of conflict moments
- 4Consider couples counseling if it's persistent