I felt like I was getting the silence treatment last week......I spoke to people, multiple times, and no one was listening. I felt like I wasn't even there. So yes the silence hurts like hell.

As for the boyfriend, it sounds like he has some growing up to do. If he doesn't understand that he is upsetting you when he does that then are you really sure he is the right guy for you? He sounds a bit childish to me.

Uh he's basically being mentally abusive....he's messing with you. A life time of that will eventually drive you crazy if that's how you guys or he more specifically works through issues. He's being childish and has some sort of need to be in control...be careful

I forgot to add his behavior towards you only makes you feel worse than you already feel. Unless he's willing to change, I hope in time you can see you deserve much better :)

My mother was famous for this, it was a hell of a way to grow up. It is a passive/aggressive, immature way to handle anger. I have learned through the years and from a psychologist when someone acts out like this, the best thing you can do is have no reaction. They will then stop getting anything out of this behavior. I have dealt with patients, my alcoholic ex-husband, and other people and the best thing to do with this crap is walk away from the fight.
Later on when things calm down, you can say, you know when you said this or that, it made me feel this way.
This kind of behavior is their problem in that they are unable to express their feelings in a direct and mature manner.
I would not react to the singing in the face either, it will take all the fun out of it quick for him. You are going to have to develop a no emotion/no reaction face to handle this though. It might take some practice.

mb2711 summed it up, He's being childish. of course at 19 or so that can be common, still i wouldnt want to be around someone that didnt care to hear what i had to say and basically chooses to ignore you when he feels like it. thats not a very healthy relationship is it?

try the same thing back to him when he wants to talk to you about something or wants your attention. see what his reaction might be.

Hey Christine, you basically can't accept that behavior. One day when you are both calm and there is no argument bring up his behavior. Tell him you love him and enjoy spending time with him but if he continues with this behavior the relationship will suffer and you will leave.

BTW, you don't have to accept this behavior ever! If he starts with his silliness don't cry, leave! Go do something to make you happy or spend some time with friends/family that make you feel good. When he's ready to be an adult he can come find you.

Christine,

Some of these behaviors could just be immaturity on his part. Even though the silent treatment may hurt, I think a person can outgrow that type of behavior. I would be more concerned about the fact that he gets angry when you cry. Does he lack empathy for other people as well?

mb2711 and esther09 summarize my feelings. He needs to grow up, and stop being abusive.

The silent treatment is emotional/psychological abuse and a form of control and emotional blackmail.

In my life, I have given myself permission to have a zero tolerance rule with the silent treatment. Anyone who gives me the silent treatment doesn't deserve my company.

Your boyfriend sounds cruel and VERY insensitive.

I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this and I agree with mb2711 that its emotionally abusive behaviour.

I myself put up with silent treatment from my partner for more years than I care to recall but I finally found a way to deal with it.

I hate to tell you this but, like I used to do, you are actually encouraging him to continue to give you the silent treatment coz he basically enjoys seeing you upset and having the power to upset you. So, please don't keep giving him the satisfaction of seeing you upset and broken. He'll just do it even more. OK - I know this is easier said than done coz you have good reason to be upset but you can call a holt to him repeatedly doing this although it won't happen overnight.

You may just decide your boyfriend isn't worth it but if you want to try here's a link to some practical advice about how you can actually cope with being given the silent treatment (basically these are similar to the the tactics which worked for me). I don't let his silence bother me anymore and over time he's virtually stopped doing it. I feel so much better!

http://ebonny.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-cope-with-Silent-Treatment-Abuse

I just noticed this was an older post but I grew up with this from my mom as well. Thanks for the post and advice Everelaine, I appreciate it.