What does stonewalling refer to in relationship communication?

• A. Expressing all feelings loudly
• B. Interrupting with frequent questions
• C. Withdrawing into silence
• D. Critically judging the other person

Answer: (C)

Stonewalling is withdrawing into silence during a conversation, effectively shutting down and stopping engagement. When one partner pulls back, they may stop looking at you, stop replying, or give nothing but a blank, unresponsive presence. This creates a barrier to solving problems because the other person can’t get feedback, clarification, or emotional connection, and the interaction stalls, often leaving tension and distress in its wake.

This pattern is different from expressing feelings loudly, which involves open, vocal emotion; from interrupting with frequent questions, which is more about probing the other person’s thoughts; and from harshly judging or criticizing, which involves contempt. Stonewalling centers on disengagement and numb withdrawal rather than active communication, problem-solving, or appraisal of the partner’s behavior. It’s typically a coping response to overwhelm, but it can undermine trust and closeness if it becomes a recurring habit.