Is not talking to someone a form of abuse?

Question

Say someone did something bad to you but not horrible enough for you to cut all contact with them or break up with them. But you are so angry at what they did that you don't talk to them for a while. Do you think that is a form of abuse? 
Have you ever stopped talking to someone for a while?

If you have how long/what is the longest period of time youve stopped talking to someone?

How long is too long to stop talking to them?

I personally have never stopped talking to anyone for more than a day. But people have stopped talking to me for up to 3 days (this was someone I was in a relationship with and we lived together).

EDIT: a couple of people suggested that the "silent treatment" is childish. I personally didn't think that there was a difference between not talking to someone for a while and giving someone the silent treatment.

Replaced every instance of silent treatment with "not talking to someone" because the silent treatment is childish and by not talking to someone you are at least being cordial and polite with them sorry for using the wrong word.

Answer

I did my masters thesis on ostracism which is pretty much the silent treatment. It most definitely is a form of psychological abuse and has been found to be more hurtful in many ways than physical or verbal bullying.

Answer

Yes. My mother used to do this to me and it was devastating a lot. It's called emotional abuse.

Answer

No it's not abuse for anyone.

The longest I've avoided talking to someone is my mother. She hasn't heard my voice in 9 years, but hey, she's a cunt.

Answer

I've done this but like you I haven't done it for more than a day. For me I do it because I have so many emotions knocking around in myself that I can't sort them out. I also sometimes worry that I might be reacting irrationally and am afraid that if I speak too soon I won't be able to control my emotions and could say something I don't mean and will regret. So I wait until I have a handle in myself and am confident that I know why am upset.
I don't think that's abuse. But I think the silent treatment *can be abuse. If it's purpose is purely to punish another person when they haven't done a while pile wrong and you know that, then I think it can be a form of emotional abuse.

Answer

It's childish. Learn how to communicate

Answer

I don't think it's abuse, but I also don't think people should go out of their way to be around someone just to ignore them. I've never given anyone the silent treatment after turning 12, but I have avoided talking to someone until I was sure that I was calm enough to have a civil conversation with no grudges.

Answer

I can only do the silent thing for so long, usually it's just long enough for me to get my temper in check so I can talk logically and calmly. 
As someone who has experienced the silent treatment as a child for an extended period of time, I think it is entirely possible to carry it to the point of abuse, which I why I won't do it.

Answer

I guess it depends on the context of the situation. If it is manipulation/control, yes it is abuse.

Other wise I see it as preserving one's mental health from someone who is toxic to your health. I don't talk to a lot of people who I now know are toxic. Some of them I don't even think they exist. Why? My mental health is more important then their toxic views.

Answer

I'm not sure. But it's heartbreaking and can make someone go nuts ... I rather have someone scream at me than silent treatment me.

Answer

I don't consider it a "silent treatment" but I have a family member that is ALL about drama.  She will text me cryptic messages expecting me to respond a certain way and then start a fight over it.  It's been a vicious cycle for the last 7-8 years.  So what I've been doing, especially throughout my pregnancy when I have a MUCH lower tolerance for bullshit, is to ignore all drama.  She gets crazy angry about it but that's not my problem.  If she has a legitimate question for me I will answer but that is all.  To be honest, this pregnancy has made me see her true colors and I'm done.  Some people (even family) aren't worth the hassle and stress they cause.  You have to take care of yourself.  Now, if my husband were to just flat out ignore me I would be upset because as a couple, communication is so important.  Sometimes you need to separate yourself from a situation to avoid saying things you don't mean but a few days is excessive, especially if you live together.

Is not talking to someone a form of abuse?

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