The Quiet One

Being The Listener In Conversations

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

What are you thinking?

Why are you so quiet?

What are your thoughts?

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I am often asked these types of questions. Usually in a room where I can’t hide in a crowd. It’s been this way since I was a child.

And it’s hard answering them.

Growing Up

Well, I didn’t start talking until the age of four, and even then, I didn’t speak a whole lot, preferring to live through my imagination.

And that was reinforced by the kids in public school not liking me. So, I kept to myself and kept quiet unless prompted.

Why I Am the Listener Now

Photo by Melanie Klepper on Unsplash

While I know I’m not the socially outcast foster kid I once was, I do have a few reasons for staying quiet in conversations:

I Like Listening to the Other Person

I enjoy hearing about other people’s thoughts, feelings, and interests, and I ask them questions about these topics. This is especially true when talking on the…