When tensions rise in a relationship, how do you respond—by arguing it out or by going radio silent? The latest Roggin Report segment explores the use of the silent treatment in romantic conflicts, sparking a candid conversation with longtime contributors Jamie and Doug Baker.
Jamie, known for her expressive personality, admitted that silence isn’t her style. “I can’t be silent—I get it out of my system,” she said with a laugh. Doug, on the other hand, made it clear he doesn’t give the cold shoulder. “I’ve been on the receiving end. It feels controlling, infantile, and passive-aggressive. It hurts.”
Psychologists agree: the brain often reacts to the silent treatment the same way it reacts to physical pain, which can erode trust over time. Doug pointed out that taking a short break to cool off is fine—but ghosting your partner mid-conflict? Not helpful.
Jamie joked that when she does deploy silence, Doug scrambles to figure out what he did wrong. “It works if you use it right,” she quipped. Doug responded, “If she gave me a few minutes of silence, I’d probably welcome it.”
In the end, communication—not control—is key to resolving issues. Silence may be golden in some moments, but in relationships, it can leave lasting scars.
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By: Fred Roggin
May 3, 2025
