Comforting others
When someone is experiencing loss, a silent presence is sometimes more helpful than any words of comfort. Psychologist Guy Winch, a lecturer at New York University, suggests that listening without rushing to offer solutions helps others feel understood.
Silence creates space for them to process emotions at their own pace, while conveying the message that you are present, whether they want to share or not. In today's fast-paced society, quiet companionship becomes a powerful act. A survey by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 67% of people experiencing a mental health crisis said they valued silent presence more than advice.
"Therefore, instead of trying to find the right words, sometimes just sitting next to them and listening is enough to make them feel supported," he analyzes.
Arguments
During arguments, each person often tries to defend their point of view, which can escalate the situation. Staying silent when emotions are high is not avoidance, but a way to pause so both parties can calm down and think more clearly.
Dr. James Pennebaker, a psychology expert at the University of Texas at Austin, suggests that silence during conflict helps reduce impulsive reactions and increases emotional control. Not responding immediately avoids the risk of saying something hurtful or escalating the argument out of control. Data from Mental Health America indicates that 58% of survey participants believe silence helps them avoid unnecessary conflicts and promotes constructive dialogue.
Well-timed silence shows that you prioritize understanding over winning. When things calm down, the conversation can proceed with more respect and cooperation.
Receiving criticism
A defensive reaction to criticism is natural, but staying silent helps you process information more calmly. Pausing before reacting creates an opportunity to assess the validity of the feedback and respond thoughtfully.
According to Dr. Kristin Neff, a psychology expert at the University of Texas at Austin, silence allows individuals to practice patience, thereby enhancing their capacity for self-development. It helps you determine whether the feedback is constructive or just a personal opinion, while preventing defensiveness from distorting your perception.
When you lack information
When you don't have enough information, staying silent is a choice that helps avoid drawing wrong conclusions or spreading misinformation. Refraining from responding until you are certain helps maintain credibility and shows respect for the truth. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 61% of adults said they value those who are willing to admit "I don't know" more than those who rush to answer incorrectly. In the workplace, delaying a response also helps individuals avoid making uninformed decisions, thereby reducing risks and increasing communication effectiveness.
This approach demonstrates patience and critical thinking. It shows that you consider carefully before speaking and are willing to return with a more reliable answer. In the age of rapid responses, choosing silence for reflection becomes a sign of professionalism and maturity.
Observing others' behavior
Staying silent while observing others' behavior, especially in unfamiliar environments, helps you gather information without distorting the situation. Instead of speaking, you focus on body language, tone of voice, and nonverbal cues that are often overlooked. According to research from the University of California, Los Angeles, 93% of communication is conveyed through nonverbal cues, including gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Silence helps you recognize these cues more clearly, thus gaining a deeper understanding of others' emotions, intentions, and motivations.
Silence does not mean passivity, but active observation. It puts you in the role of listener, enhancing your ability to analyze situations and manage social relationships more effectively.
Giving others space
When someone withdraws or falls silent, what they may need is space, not advice. Keeping a distance at the right time helps respect emotional boundaries and prevents the situation from becoming more tense. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), giving others quiet time is a way of showing empathy, indicating that you recognize their inner needs without putting pressure on them.
Silence gives the other person the opportunity to process their emotions at their own pace. This often leads to deeper conversations when they are ready. Conversely, trying to fill the silence with reassurance or questions can be counterproductive. A 2022 Harvard University study found that relationships with appropriate pauses in communication had 37% higher trust levels than those with continuous responses.
Dr. Jenny Taitz also suggests that well-timed silence is not abandonment, but a way of conveying the message "I'm here when you need me". At the same time, it also shows confidence in the other person's ability to self-regulate their emotions.
Ngoc Ngan (Theo Blode)
