Final answer:
Stonewalling means that the couple has essentially stopped communicating. It is a behavior characterized by one or both partners withdrawing or shutting down during a conflict or conversation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stonewalling means that the couple has essentially stopped communicating. It is a behavior characterized by one or both partners withdrawing or shutting down during a conflict or conversation.
Stonewalling often occurs as a result of accumulated negative feelings, unresolved issues, or a lack of effective communication skills. The person who stonewalls may refuse to engage in conversation, avoid eye contact, or give short, non-responsive answers, which can lead to increased tension and further breakdown in communication.
It is important for couples to recognize stonewalling as a harmful communication pattern and seek healthier alternatives, such as active listening, expressing feelings constructively, and practicing empathy. Stonewalling means that the couple has essentially stopped communicating. It is characterized by one or both partners withdrawing from the interaction, shutting down, and avoiding communication. This behavior often involves one partner disengaging from the conversation, becoming emotionally distant, and refusing to respond or engage with the other. Stonewalling is considered one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a term coined by relationship researcher John Gottman to describe behaviors that can predict the end of a relationship. It is a detrimental communication pattern that can lead to increased tension, frustration, and a breakdown in the relationship.