Modern life, marked by fast communication, constant exposure, and little recovery space, can amplify friction. But since humans lack tools for healthy conflict, manipulative patterns spread, and coping hacks like gray rocking become popular. "It is a technique where you make yourself as emotionally uninteresting and non-reactive as possible when dealing with a toxic person," Priya Parulekar, a Consulting Psychologist and Relationship Expert, told indianexpress.com. She added that with families, workplaces, and online spaces more entangled, cutting ties isn’t always possible; hence, tactics of survival gain prominence. "If one sees systemically, society rewards superficial connection and performance over depth and vulnerability, resentment, unmet needs, and control games flourish. In learning the art of dealing with social toxicity, people act like a gray rock—plain, boring, giving nothing away. This way, they stop feeding the other person with drama, reactions, or energy," she explained. But, is gray rocking the final solution to deal with toxic people? Calling it a survival tool, "not a cure," Parulekar emphasised that the method can help you buy time, create distance, and reduce escalation. As a short-term defence mechanism, gray rocking doesn’t really bring a substantial transformation to the relationship. "The toxic pattern still exists in the background. Think of it as a fire blanket, not a fire extinguisher," stressed Parulekar. So, can we say that gray rocking is counterproductive? "Yes, in several ways," said Parulekar, adding that the method involves an escalation of risk. "Some toxic people feel more provoked when they lose control and may intensify manipulation. It can lead to identity erosion if it is overused," she continued. Avoiding confrontations and clear-cut communication may keep you in a loop of avoidance. "It's better to choose clearer exits and set boundaries, rather than bottling up your emotions," suggested the psychologist. What's the way out? Communication today is very fragile and quickly slips into either blame or denial. Instead of retreating into coping tricks, it's better to talk it out. While gray rocking can be a one-time solution and a shield to escape pain, it is essential not to normalise it. "What’s missing is the space to sustain the tension, to sit with the discomfort and your own self without rushing to discharge it," shared Vivek Vashist, a meditation practitioner and guide. People must realise that relationships, be it personal or professional, carry an impossible weight. The challenge lies in navigating through the challenges with ease. Instead of opting for defensive tactics, short-term solutions, one must communicate. "Because when relationships fail, techniques like gray rocking become band-aids for the disillusionment, and not the cure," concluded Vashist.
