There could be several reasons why someone responds to your question with silence and does not acknowledge your input while diverting the conversation to another topic. Understanding these potential reasons can shed light on their behavior:
Lack of Interest or Engagement: The person may not be genuinely interested in the topic you brought up or may not find it relevant to them. As a result, they might not feel the need to respond or engage with your question.
Communication Style: Some individuals have different communication styles and preferences. They might not be as comfortable responding to direct questions or may prefer to steer the conversation towards their own interests or comfort zones.
Distraction or Preoccupation: The person could be preoccupied with their thoughts, stressors, or personal concerns, making it challenging for them to focus on the conversation fully.
Social Skills or Empathy: Some individuals may lack strong social skills or empathy, making it difficult for them to respond appropriately or show interest in what others have to say.
Communication Barriers: Language barriers or difficulty expressing themselves could lead to silence or avoidance of certain topics.
Power Dynamics: In certain situations, power dynamics can influence how people respond in conversations. If the person perceives themselves as having more authority or control, they may not feel compelled to reciprocate respect in the conversation.
Unconscious Bias or Prejudice: Unfortunately, unconscious bias or prejudice could influence how someone responds to certain individuals or topics, leading to dismissive behavior.
Previous Experiences: Past experiences with you or with similar conversations might have influenced their response. If they had negative experiences before, they might be hesitant to engage fully.
While it's natural to expect reciprocity in communication and mutual respect, it's essential to recognize that not everyone will respond the same way we do. People are complex, and their behaviors are influenced by various factors. If you feel like this pattern persists and it bothers you, consider having an open and honest conversation with the person about how you perceive their communication style and express your expectations for mutual respect and engagement. Healthy communication is a two-way street, and open dialogue can help improve understanding and communication dynamics. However, if the behavior continues despite your efforts, it might be helpful to reevaluate the nature of the relationship and whether it meets your needs for respect and mutual engagement.