Breaking the Wall: Understanding Stonewalling in Relationships and How to Overcome It

In every relationship, communication is the key to understanding one another and resolving conflicts.

However, when one partner engages in stonewalling – the act of refusing to communicate and deliberately creating distance – it can have detrimental effects on the relationship.

We will explore the signs and types of stonewalling, along with strategies to cope with this destructive behavior.

Recognizing the Signs of Stonewalling

Stonewalling can manifest in various ways, but some common signs include:

• Ignoring the other person, even when they are attempting to engage in conversation
• Dismissing their partner’s concerns or feelings as unimportant or invalid
• Avoiding eye contact, which can signal a desire to disengage from the conversation
• Walking away from stressful discussions, often without resolving the issue at hand

It is essential to recognize these signs early in order to address the issue and prevent further damage to the relationship.

Uncovering the Roots of Stonewalling

Understanding the reasons behind stonewalling is crucial in finding a solution. The behavior can be rooted in various factors, such as:

• Fear: A person might stonewall because they are afraid of confrontation or the potential repercussions of a discussion
• Anxiety: Anxiety can make it difficult to engage in open and honest communication, leading to stonewalling as a means of self-preservation
• Frustration: When a partner feels overwhelmed or unable to express their emotions effectively, they may resort to stonewalling as a coping mechanism
• Learned behavior: Some people may have learned stonewalling as a child from their parents or other influential figures in their lives

The Two Types of Stonewalling: Unintentional vs. Intentional

Stonewalling can be classified into two main types:

1. Unintentional stonewalling occurs when a person is not consciously trying to create distance, but rather uses it as a coping mechanism for difficult emotional situations. This type of stonewalling often stems from a lack of communication skills or an inability to manage emotions effectively.
2. Intentional stonewalling is a deliberate attempt to manipulate or control a situation. This type of stonewalling is often used to gain power in a relationship, avoid accountability, or punish a partner for perceived wrongdoing.

Regardless of the type, stonewalling can lead to emotional distance and a reduced ability to resolve conflicts within the relationship.

Dealing with the Effects of Stonewalling

For the person being stonewalled, it can be a painful and confusing experience. They may feel:

• Frustrated with the lack of communication and progress
• Angry at their partner’s refusal to engage in meaningful conversation
• Confused about the reasons behind their partner’s behavior
• Hurt by the apparent lack of care or concern for their feelings

How to Cope with Stonewalling in a Relationship

When faced with stonewalling, here are some strategies to help cope and overcome this behavior:

1. Address the issue: Bring up the stonewalling behavior in a calm and non-accusatory manner, expressing your feelings and concerns about the impact it has on the relationship.
2. Practice empathy: Try to understand your partner’s perspective and the reasons behind their stonewalling. This can help create a more open and supportive environment for communication.
3. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries about what is and is not acceptable behavior in the relationship, including stonewalling.
4. Seek professional help: Couples counseling can be a helpful tool in addressing stonewalling issues and teaching healthier communication strategies for both partners.

Overcoming stonewalling in a relationship may not be an easy task, but with open communication, empathy, and professional guidance, partners can learn to break down the barriers and create a stronger, more fulfilling connection.