• Welcome! The TrekBBS is the number one place to chat about Star Trek with like-minded fans.
    If you are not already a member then please register an account and join in the discussion!

Why is there something wrong with me if I'm just quiet?

Anyone ever responded to the "What's wrong?" question with "You've just disturbed my tranquil state, THAT's what's wrong."
 
This used to happen to me at times:

"You're quiet. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."
"Come on, there must be something wrong."
"Nope! Just mellowing out, that's all."
"You don't have to lie, you know. Tell me what's wrong."
"I just told you. Nothing."
"I can always tell when something's wrong...."
"Well, there isn't."
"No need to snap...why won't you tell me?"
"BECAUSE THERE'S NOTHING WRONG, FFS!"
"I KNEW it!"

Man! This is the same type of exchange I would have with a good friend in college whenever I was in a quiet, thoughtful mood. I suspect that the situation can occur when a person who -as a rule- becomes quiet whenever THEY are troubled makes the mistaken assumption that the only reason that any person would be quiet is because that other person is troubled.
 
As has been aid there is nothing "wrong" with being quiet, but to some people like me it can be a real handicap. I am learning in my therapy that about 95% of my problems stem from my avoidant behavior and my inability to speak up when the situation desperately calls for it. A lot of that is inertia. If you are always quiet it may be difficult to quickly switch into a verbal mode when called for. If that is not a problem in your life though being a quiet person can be a real positive if you are also contemplative and observant of the world around you.
 
This used to happen to me at times:

"You're quiet. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."
"Come on, there must be something wrong."
"Nope! Just mellowing out, that's all."
"You don't have to lie, you know. Tell me what's wrong."
"I just told you. Nothing."
"I can always tell when something's wrong...."
"Well, there isn't."
"No need to snap...why won't you tell me?"
"BECAUSE THERE'S NOTHING WRONG, FFS!"
"I KNEW it!"


"I was in my room and I was just like staring at the wall thinking about everything, but then again I was thinking about nothing. And then my mom came in, and I didn't even know she was there. She called my name and I didn't hear her and then she started screaming “Mike, Mike!” And I go “what? What's the matter?” She goes “what's the matter with you?” I go “there's nothing wrong, mom.” Shes all “don't tell me that! You're on drugs!” I go “no mom, I'm not on drugs. I'm ok, I'm just thinking, you know? Why don't you get me a Pepsi?” She goes “No! You're on drugs!” I go “mom, I'm ok. I'm just thinking.” She goes “No! You're not thinking, you're on drugs! Normal people don't be acting that way!” I go “mom, just get me a Pepsi! Please, all I want is a Pepsi!” And she wouldn't give it to me! All I wanted was a Pepsi, just one Pepsi, and she wouldn't give it to me! Just a Pepsi!"
 
On the other hand, the one thing the neighbors & family always say, after the fact, about the serial killer or mass murderer is "he was always a quiet person, never bothered anybody".
 
Just once, I’d like to hear a serial killer’s neighbors say, “That guy was a pushy, annoying loudmouth who was always sticking his nose in everyone else’s business.”
 
Count me among the naturally quiet types who dislike noise or excessive talking. :)

We should start a club, we can sit around in silence, not bothering each other!

Heh. I used to have a work friend like that. We'd see each other at parties -- each of us just sitting quietly in all the hubbub -- and we'd just grin and wave at each other and go back to sitting quietly. :bolian:

Killing people is just too noisy.

Eh, for me it's all that damn paperwork. :vulcan:
 
I don't know what it means to be quiet...I'm Italian for one thing..:p Not only do I talk with my mouth I talk with my hands...the double whammy.
 
middle school was hell for me
I wanted to be quiet and learn, and all the other kids thought I was weird and they'd constantly ask me "why don't you talk?"
of course I was too shy to say anything so I'd just give them the staredown
then it became "don't make him mad"
I definitely intimidated them :P
 
I've always been quiet, still am, I've just been the introverted one who didn't like distracting noises who can sit still and be quiet for ages, I don't know why noisy people have such a problem with it.
 
Whenever I get deep in thought, people always assume I'm upset about something. Apparently my "thinking" face resembles most people's "pissed off" face. I want to show the whole world this article about introverts. We're not serial killers, we're not depressed, and we're not antisocial. We're just quiet and pensive.
 
Well, I am clinically depressed and suffer from melancholic depression/anxiety thats made worse being around people. But yes, I'm more scared of them than they should ever be of me.
 
Whenever I get deep in thought, people always assume I'm upset about something. Apparently my "thinking" face resembles most people's "pissed off" face. I want to show the whole world this article about introverts. We're not serial killers, we're not depressed, and we're not antisocial. We're just quiet and pensive.

great article! thanks for that :bolian:
 
If you are not already a member then please register an account and join in the discussion!

Sign up / Register


Back
Top