What is with the 'Silent Treatment'?

You sound as if a relationship is a competitive sport. Having said that, I must say that I've been guilty of the silent treatment. When I've become silent it's because I don't trust myself to be verbal until after I've had some time to think. Sometimes I decide it's not worth talking about and leave it alone. Other times after I've calmed down I'm able to discuss the matter with some degree of common sense and mutual respect.