Withholding

Withholding, commonly called “giving the silent treatment,” is a type of passive-aggressive behavior and a form of emotional abuse. Withholding is distinct from “needing some space” and taking a break from a conversation or conflict, which is a healthy coping strategy with the goal of reaching a point where healthy communication and resolution can take place. Withholding describes situations in which one person in a relationship holds back their communication, their authenticity, and their love and affection as a way of being in control of the relationship or punishing their partner, whether intentionally or unintentionally.