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Does total silence make you uncomfortable?

I've had several people -- within the last month, actually -- tell me that being somewhere in utter silence makes them uneasy. It doesn't matter whether they're lying in bed, sitting in their car, or studying in the library. Some people can't stand complete silence, and it isn't long before they feel compelled to reach for their phone, a TV remote, or their cell phone to break the quietness.

Frankly, this has me rather baffled to say the least. After being assaulted by the chatter of nosy co-workers all day at work, driving home with the radio off offers a welcome reprieve, as does holing up in a quiet room at home.

Here are a few reasons people give for their aversion to overly quiet environments:

  • They "hate to hear themselves think"
  • When it's too quiet, they feel lonely
  • They get bored
  • They're just not used to that much silence
Personally, being in a quiet setting helps me regain my energy. Too much noise and commotion stress me out, plain and simple. I suppose it has to do with the fact that, as an introvert, I draw energy inward and need a quiet place in which to recharge my batteries following a busy day around a lot of people. Extroverts, on the other hand, draw energy outward and become energized when in the presence of others. 

I think if more people gave it a try, they'd realize it's not so bad.

Does complete silence make you antsy? 
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