As hurtful as words can be in an argument, it is often worse when the person you are arguing with completely shuts down and stops talking to you. This form of expressing a difference of opinion is called passive aggression. Not talking to each other certainly has the desired effect of making the other person angry, but it doesn't solve the problem. Read the tips on how to deal with your opponent's silence, open up the conversation and finally solve the problem.
As your previous argumentative behaviour has only led to the other person shutting themselves off, you first have to calm down yourself. As much as disrespect and silence can drive you up the wall, shouting and swearing obviously won't get you anywhere. As soon as you have calmed down enough and are able to speak calmly and objectively, it is time to address the other person's behaviour. Start the conversation with a sincere apology for what you said or did that hurt the other person. This does not mean that you are taking the blame yourself, but it opens the door for a calm and open conversation. It expresses that you want to find a solution to the problem in a respectful and rational way.
However, you must not lose self-respect in the process. Don't apologise more than necessary and don't beg for forgiveness. Passive aggressive silence is a very childish way of dealing with an argument and subconsciously serves to make the other person feel guilty so that they apologise for everything, even what they didn't do, just so that the other person will speak again.
If necessary, you should try to resolve the conflict with a third, neutral party so that the dispute does not escalate again. An uninvolved third party can often help to recognise mistakes and weaknesses that you do not admit to yourself.
If the silent opponent is not yet inclined to speak, you can offer to have everyone write down their views and opinions. It is often the lack of verbal expression that causes someone to remain silent. Writing down your problems gives you more time to think about them.
If, despite all your efforts, the other person is still unwilling to break their silence and do their bit to resolve the conflict, you should leave them be. Let the other person know that you are ready to talk as soon as they approach you, but that you will not be manipulated any further by their behaviour. If passive aggression does not bring the desired success, the person is most likely to learn to change their behaviour in the future.
