What to do when someone is “stonewalling”
In this short self‑help monologue, Shanli Liu, CPA, CTP, outlines three concrete steps for handling a person who is stonewalling you. First, she advises you to stop trying to force a response, likening the effort to tugging on a tree and urging you to let go and focus on self‑care. Second, she recommends setting a clear, assertive boundary by communicating that the silence is hurtful, stating you will give them space but not sacrifice your peace of mind, and asking for a timeline for contact. Third, she warns that if the silence lasts a day or two, it is a red flag indicating the other person may be using silence as punishment, suggesting you reassess the relationship because healthy relationships require hard conversations and effort. The tone is conversational and instructional, with a supportive yet cautionary sentiment.
