Most of the times "the response"to such issues depends upon how the relationship between a couple works, their mutual understanding and the belief system they share, of course which should have been considered before selecting a life partner.
In Islamic perspective one can become unhappy with a spouse, when they show casual behavior towards the basic teachings of Islam. The prophet (saw) even boycott his wives for a month when he became unhappy with them
[quote]
The Prophet [pbuh] had taken an oath to stay off his wives for a month in the ninth year of Al-Hijra. Therefore, he deserted them and kept off in a private place. At the beginning, the Companions of the Messenger of Allah were puzzled and could not work out the reason for such behavior. They thought the Prophet [pbuh] had divorced them and that was why he was grieved, disturbed and upset.[Sahih Al-Bukhari 2/730]
[/quote]
But it is cleared from other sources and scholars that he didn't divorce them but was unhappy with them due to certain things they were not doing according to his advice. (Islamic teachings)
The prophet (saw) is our role model and he did show us a way of showing dis likeness when our beloved ones don't follow the teachings of Islam. The silent treatment can be one of those ways.
BUT the prophet (saw) was perfect and I am not. SO, in my case it is a two way traffic. My wife is allowed to pour a jug of cold water on my face when I am not waking up for "Fajr" namaz (prayers). She even switches off the the computer while I am using computer, because at times I might get too addicted and she feels it is her duty to remind me that if I sleep late, it would not only effect my health but also it would be difficult for me to wake up early in the morning.
One verbal pact I and my wife signed in the beginning of the marriage was that. *"If anyone of us at any stage of life violates the basics of Islamic teachings (without a genuine excuse), the other would make sure to prevent it without any compromise. The one who is violating has no right to reject such an act, because s/he know it is for his/her betterment in this life and hereafter" *
So if any one of us at any stage of life is deviating from any sunnah or Fard (due to carelessness or laziness), the other has the right to make sure, one way or the other that the sunnah or Fard is not violated, besides that presenting oneself as a practical example of that. All this is done humbly with respect but firmness with a sincere intentions of only pleasing Allah (s.w.t) and nothing in mind related to showing one's dominance over the other.
**
In fact such acts increases mutual love in our hearts for each others, by the grace and mercy of Allah (s.w.t).
**May Allah (s.w.t) bless us all with sincerity and put "Barakah" (blessings) in our intentions and acts. Ameen
