Of course it’s great to use your voice—but not all the time. In fact, not saying a word can often be the smartest move you can make. Why? Because it means you’re choosing the right moment to speak. Let’s look at ten times when it’s probably better to keep your lips sealed and why. It’s a skill that many of us need to brush up on!
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
When You’re Steaming Mad
We’ve all said something in a fit of rage that we end up later regretting. Try taking a breather & keeping quiet the next time you’re mad — it’ll give you the chance to cool off. Later, you can come back to the issue and talk it out like a calm human — without any of the drama that comes from knee-jerk reactions.
When You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say
You know that old saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”? It holds up pretty well! If you’re about to say something that could be hurtful, it’s a good idea to just zip it so you can avoid putting negativity out there & keep things positive. Silence – as they say – is golden.
When Someone Spills Their Secrets
It’s nice having a friend who trusts you enough to tell you a secret—just make sure to keep their words under lock & key. Blabbing about someone else’s private information will almost certainly break their trust & also could hurt them if the wrong person finds out. You’re better off zipping it up and feeling good – knowing you’re a vault of information.
While Getting Feedback
Getting feedback is never easy. But instead of jumping in to defend yourself, try staying quiet and really listening. Doing so means you can actually understand what’s being said & maybe learn something new about yourself. You should only respond once you’ve had a chance to think it over.
In Sad Situations
When a tragedy happens, it’s difficult to find the right words to say—often, there aren’t any. That’s why being there silently can be more powerful than any words you might try to give someone. Your presence alone can be a huge comfort to someone who’s hurting and they’ll be pretty grateful for it.
When You’re Not Sure of the Facts
Never chime in when you don’t have all the facts. Why? Because it can make you look foolish & spread misinformation. If you’re not sure about what you’re talking about — it’s totally fine to keep quiet because you could end up learning something. It’s far better than guessing & potentially getting it wrong.
During Negotiations
Silence can be pretty powerful in negotiations because you’re not showing your hand right away. Eventually, the other side may reveal more about what they want & why because they hate awkward silences. Don’t rush to fill the silence—just sit in it. Let the other person do some of the talking and see what you can learn.
When Asked About Someone Else’s Business
When someone tries to drag you into a conversation about another person’s personal or professional life, it’s a safe bet to keep quiet. Spreading gossip usually hurts—and can sometimes lead to trouble. And hey – if they want someone to know their business, they’ll tell them themselves.
When Someone Else is Being Praised
It’s nice to hear someone else getting praise in a group setting, although your first reaction shouldn’t be to jump in with a “me too” story or shift the attention to yourself. When that happens, pause & think about just listening instead. After all, letting others have their moment in the spotlight shows real class.
When Breaking Bad News Can Wait
Of course, we all have those times when we might have some bad news to share—but we don’t have to do it immediately. Whether it’s a project delay or a minor setback, think about if it’s urgent or not. If it’s not, just wait for the right moment to bring it up so you can prevent any unnecessary worry or disruption.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
12 Major Reasons Why People Have So Much Hatred For Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers, typically those born between 1946 and 1964, have faced scrutiny and criticism from various quarters. This phenomenon of animosity towards Baby Boomers has multiple roots, ranging from economic factors and cultural shifts to generational conflicts and perceptions of privilege. Exploring these facets can provide insight into the 12 major reasons why some people harbor so much hatred for Baby Boomers.
12 Major Reasons Why People Have So Much Hatred For Baby Boomers
20 Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving, but Are Actually Dangerously Deceptive
Discover the hidden truths of Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving but Are Dangerously Deceptive”. This thought-provoking journey challenges our notions of love, empowers us to build healthier bonds, and brings surprising revelations.
20 Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving, but Are Actually Dangerously Deceptive
The 15 Worst-Selling Cars in America
Not every automobile model captures public attention or meets consumer expectations. The market celebrates top sellers, but some cars struggle to find buyers. High prices, unattractive designs, subpar performance, or failure to stand out in a highly competitive market contribute to poor sales.
In this article, we examine some of the worst-selling cars in America, highlighting cars that may have missed the mark, from once-promising models to niche vehicles that never found an audience.