Silence is terrifying. We all hate when it’s too quiet and the awkward pauses seem to last forever. No matter how grown up and sure of themselves people are, eventually we all crack and do something odd or even silly, just to say something. We asked people on the internet and got 13 confessions about the awkward things we all do to fill the awkward silences.
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Commenting on the elevator or room itself
There are people who will start discussing the most mundane details just to break the silence. “The paint here is really beige, isn’t it?” or “These lights are way too bright,” people will mumble to each other. Even the most trivial observations can be tools for conversation. Better something than nothing is their mentality.
Suddenly asking personal questions
Someone shared that they bombard their captive audience with questions, such as “Do you like pineapple on pizza?” or “Have you ever been in this building before?” No matter how awkward or off-topic it may be, it’s all just to make the other person talk.
Laughing at nothing
A few people revealed they sometimes chuckle a little bit at something in their head. Even if no one else knows it or if it’s not that funny. It’s just to let the other person know they are friendly and not upset about the situation. Also, the chuckle doesn’t have to be real, as long as it is some form of noise.
Talking about the weather … in extreme detail
Some people will actually talk about a weather pattern, or a temperature shift, or how muggy it is, in ridiculous detail. One guy said he once went 30 full seconds describing every cloud in the sky to a date. It’s boring, sure, but at least it fills space.
Making random self-comments
Acknowledge that people do mutter things about themselves in passing. “I can’t believe I forgot my keys again,” or “I really need coffee.” Doesn’t matter if the other person is actually listening to you, it at least fills some airtime.
Repeating something someone else said
Sometimes they simply repeat a word or phrase someone said earlier. “Yeah… humidity,” or “The lights,” they echo back. Awkward? Yes. But it’s better than just standing in silence. Plus, it shows that you’re at least listening.
Faking interest in someone’s phone or bag
They’ll pretend to take interest in something someone’s carrying: “Oh, is that a new phone case?” or “Where did you get that purse?” Even if they couldn’t care less, it gets the other person to talk.
Casually mentioning a TV show, meme or viral video
People also confess they break the quiet by inquiring what’s hot. “Did you see that funny meme everyone’s talking about?” may elicit a chuckle or remark. It’s not meant to go deep, just to stop the silence from becoming too long.
Talking to a pet/object close by
Some quietly talk to a dog, a plant, or even a vending machine so they don’t sound as awkward. “Hey little guy, hungry?” or “I think you’re out of snacks again,” they say. The object of their affection becomes a stand-in conversation partner.
Starting a tiny argument
People will choose a neutral subject and then take an extreme side just to have something to say. “No way pineapple goes on pizza,” they’ll mutter under their breath if they have to. If it’ll generate conversation, they’ll do it.
Humming a song quietly
Some people will break the silence by humming a song to themselves. It’s quiet enough that it won’t get on the ears of the other person but loud enough to indicate that they’re not dead. And usually the song is completely random. Sometimes they’ll even apologize for it.
Making up small compliments
People will throw out a compliment that they weren’t even planning on giving. “I like your shoes… they’re very shiny,” or “Nice hair,” they’ll say, even if it’s partially made-up. It breaks the silence and it makes the other person smile.
Pretending to check something urgently
Some people confess to making an excuse to quickly glance at their phone or bag or watch. “Oh, I need to check this quickly,” they say to themselves, breaking a potentially awkward silence. It’s a very convincing distraction.