We are what we believe ourselves to be.
– ak
“You don’t speak much often, do you?“, when I was asked this question, I immediately replied that I don’t. I don’t know why I was being so honest. It’s not like they would be appreciating this revelation of mine and go something like, “Oh good, I was just waiting for someone who doesn’t talk much and just listens. Where have you been all my life?”. No, no one ever thinks that. And to be fair, no one wants to have a conversation with the wall and so, they actually don’t. No wonder I have very few friends am that wall.
To be more honest, I have been asked this question twice, plus a million other times. I emphasized on the twice part because the people who said it were complete strangers. I was at a bloggers meet and one famous person saw my name on the wall and wanted to meet and we met and talked, I mean she talked and immediately realized what a good wall it was in front of her. The talk ended completely when she asked the question I was referring to earlier and without a moment’s notice, or even thinking about it for a bit, I replied with a nod and softly said yes, which wasn’t audible either. Oh yes, my voice is inaudible too. Bonus points, right? Yay. But then again, I met the high school crush, I mean the whole high school was crushing on this girl. I met and I was trying my best to talk more often and interesting topics, but it was just radio silence, the radio in reference was turned off apparently. So, she asked the very same question, and there is nothing stupider than nodding a yes again. I mean why! Why do I do that? Can’t I just lie and say make something up?
The other day, I was sitting with a good friend of mine, in the canteen, sipping coffee. And the coffee got over, the usual conversation were down to a silence again and the topics were over. I looked around everywhere and anywhere, but there still was the awkward silence in the air I was so hoping to avoid. I did think of new topics, of something to keep the conversation going, all stupid ones, but then again I was so good at picking up topics that the replies are usually an yes or a no. *Pats myself in the back*.
This might sound so bizarre for people reading all of this. Because there are a lot of things one can talk about, meaningful or otherwise, there are a billion topics to pick from and yet, I chose the embrace of the silence.
… and I choose to keep quiet,
for reason one too many,
or perhaps none at all.
____
The Silence in the Voice.
ak, XIX X MMXVI
P.S. “The Silence in the voice” is a pretty name for a blog. I am owning in, henceforth.
44 responses to “The Silence in the Voice.”
I love the name of the blog, I love the message of the post, and I feel your pain. I’ve got the “you don’t talk much, do you?” question a lot. Except I don’t have the audacity to answer. You shouldn’t be ashamed of saying yes, even if you do so quietly. I’m too shy to own up to my silence, but you aren’t and you should flaunt that. 🙂 Nice post!
Why, thank you.
The answer comes out automatically, I don’t know how but it has become my reflex answer.
Haha, flaunt it. Thanks.
Oh, btw you should talk more often. I could be always help on listening, I’m a pro at it.
Thanks for dropping by.
I think we can embrace silence, when we our words are less beautiful then silence.
I can’t do small talks, either I would prefer to be silent or I would talk with someone with whom I can have long deep conversation.
Your website is awesome! I loved your description and I can relate with it.
Good Luck! Take care! ❤
Yeah, I am in the same boat as you.
Thank you. You’re too kind.
Good Luck to you as well. Take Care. 🙂
Loved this, ak. Unfortunately, not everyone is comfortable with silence, that’s why, they try to fill it with words.
Thank you.
Yes, I understand and it should be that way only. Silence could sometimes be haunting.
Thanks for dropping by.
Silence can also be very comforting at times. For me, it’s the true test of friendship. If I can be comfortably silent with someone, then that can be a lasting friendship.
I know right!
I strive to find that kind of friendship.
Sooo WONDERFULLY written…….
Silence is indeed loud beauty in itself…….
SORRY TO ASK ,but I wanted to comment on “about me” it seems that you have closed the comments…
Why, thank you. You’re too kind.
Oh, I didn’t realise that. My apologies. I have enabled it back.
Thanks for dropping by.
No problem….
Sorry for the trouble…
No no, no trouble at all. Thanks for letting me know.
Your welcome…!
You’re to the point person or don’t express yourself openly in front of people who hardly understand you. Clearly not an introvert as far I know but chill remain the same no matter what, maybe someday that same wall be your shield. Good Day 🙂
I am not that person. I hardly make sense, let alone making a point.
Oh my, you don’t know me properly yet I guess. I am as introvert as it gets. But thanks. Let’s see.
Good day to you too.
I enjoyed your post 🙂 You are what you are, surely a great listener to those who need one.
I believe so.
Thank you, you are too kind.
I used to be a very quiet person but now I am not. I cant say I am very talkative now but I guess the basic nature is difficult to change 🙂
I am still the same quite guy. May be I will talk more often someday.
Yes, the transition is difficult. But let’s see.
Thank you for dropping by.
You dont talk much but you write so much!What an irony!. By the way,you reminded me of someone I know.I remember feeling offended when that person didnt engage in a conversation.
Well, the balance has to be maintained, somehow.
Oh, I apologise for the people like me. It’s not personal, it’s just how we are mis-constructed.
Your writing is so ironic. You have capability to think and write about anything yet you choose to be quite. This my first peek in and I thank you for impressing me.
Thank you Sanjana.
I am glad to know that you are impressed.
It is ironic, isn’t it? And I think…like I mentioned, it’s a choice I am going to live with, unless something changes. Having said that, I hope something changes.
Thank you for dropping by. 😀
I can totally understand what you are saying because I have been in your place more often than not. And I know how uncomfortable that awkward silence can be. And maybe that’s why I like being in a group, you know with more than one for company, that way the conversation keeps flowing whether you contribute or not…And I am fortunately part of wonderful groups with vivacious extroverts who need good listeners like me and we form a great team together. You should try this perhaps…I mean it, seriously 🙂 And incidentally, I am also comfortable with the awkward silence with like-minded people, which is such a blessing.
I am glad to know that you have an amazing group. And I should also find one such group.
Thank you for dropping by. 🙂
Now it felt as if I am reading about myself. But I have another side too. In my efforts to try and make a conversation, I sometimes speak things which I later realize held no relation to the conversation, and then I think how dumb was my decision to actually talk in the first place. We not always need to speak, writing is one way I like to make conversations with some people. And then there are many who like me as a listener.
I understand what you mean. In my attempts to not be left alone and be that awkward guy who never talks, I do randomly start a new topic, which derails in no more than a second. I have always been a good listener. Not saying it is a good thing, but it is one job I do best.
Thank you for dropping by and cheers to awkward random conversations. 🙂
Take Care. :S
If it is any consolation, “an empty vessel sounds much”. So if you don’t talk much, you really have nothing to worry. Many people can be shy, introvert or do not feel inclined to respond to everything. Nice post.
Thank you. Really appreciate your thoughts on this. 😊
Oh I loved this one. Silence is the voice, it definitely speaks a lot!
Why, thank you. 🙂
I am glad you liked it. 🙂
Not talking much is neither a sin nor a crime. Infact, society believes silence can be golden and not many like people who blabber too much.
The world needs more listeners . Your silence is as beautiful as any words out there.
Well said.
Why, thank you. You are too kind. 🙂
This post is so old. Yet here I am commenting. Beautiful ak.
Thank you.
Mostly for reading, even though it is such an old post.
All the silent people I’ve known in my life had some secrets to hide. So it’s difficult for me to think about them as good persons. Anyway I like the deepness of your thoughts. 😊
I think that is a fair assessment. And I do concur with your opinion. Honestly, I don’t usually tell most of the things. I am rather comfortable keeping it to myself. Because I feel like they are my problems, so it would be unfair to lay it on someone else.
Why, thank you. 🙂 I am glad to know that you like it. And also, appreciate you dropping by.
This is a very impressive looking blog site you have here! 😀🙏💛👊🎉
Silence is a great way , only when persons are infront of each other..! Even the same silence in an argument either weaken/ strengthen the bond. BTW those lines are impressive…!
Yeah, I agree.
Thank you. 🙂
Sit next to me , iam fluent in silence
Look in to my eyes
Your eyes spoke everything..
Sure, that sounds great. Hopefully soon. 🙂