When someone stops reacting, it’s often not peace; it’s detachment. In relationships, emotional responses like anger, frustration, or even tears still show investment — the person cares enough to feel. But once they reach a point of silence, it can signal emotional exhaustion or withdrawal, where the brain protects itself by shutting down attachment responses.

From a neuroscience and psychology perspective:

• The amygdala (emotion center) and prefrontal cortex (rational control) essentially disengage from the cycle of conflict when the emotional reward system no longer sees value in responding.
• Oxytocin and dopamine levels, which maintain emotional bonds, drop — meaning the person no longer feels emotionally connected or motivated to repair the relationship.
• This is called emotional detachment or learned emotional neutrality, a defense mechanism that comes after too much pain or disappointment.

So yes — silence can be deadly, not because of hatred, but because it means the emotional bridge has already burned.