PH
Silence between two people isn't inherently positive or negative.
Early in dating, silence may create uncertainty because neither person yet knows how the other interprets it.
As familiarity develops, pauses can require less explanation and may become comfortable.
But silence can also be deliberately used to withdraw, punish, or avoid unresolved issues.
The behavior looks identical from the outside while carrying completely different psychological meanings.
Sometimes understanding a relationship requires knowing why two people aren't talking.
© Journal of Social and Personal Relationships