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ANNOYING: People who hate when it's too quiet

This morning, I was laser-focused on my work -- so much so that my co-worker questioned why I was so quiet.

It's not the first time he's remarked on how quiet I can get when I'm very busy. On a few other occasions, he's stated that the office has been so quiet that he could almost hear himself think.

People who are like this get on my nerves. (My apologies if you react similarly in quiet settings.)

We get enough noise out on the street and at home. A little silence never hurt anybody, so what's the big deal?

People who hold a disdain for quietness tend to be as such:

  • Highly extroverted 
  • Rely on external stimuli to stay focused and entertained (other people, etc.)
  • Not particularly deep thinkers -- they tend to avoid solitary pursuits like reading and writing
  • Have a high need for attention
  • Are probably not that busy themselves if they have the time to notice how quiet it is
  • Can be awfully insecure -- they suspect that people must be quiet for a reason ("he doesn't like me")
Note: The above points don't characterize all people who loathe silence, but I've noticed that many do tend to be this way.

I don't know about you, but it's easier for me to actually concentrate and get more things done when I'm in a quiet environment. I have an active, rich mind, so I have no problem being able to "hear myself think."

Even my wife says the same thing sometimes. She needs to at least have the TV or radio on or else she becomes anxious. 

To me, too much noise -- whether it's incessant watercooler chatter at work, a neighbor mowing the lawn for hours on end, or dogs on the block barking till sunrise -- can drive me up the wall. I'll take total silence over those any day of the week. 

Sometimes it's good to disconnect and not have to hear anything or anyone. It keeps me relaxed and well-balanced, and I'm sure it'd do the same for others if they only let the silence envelop them. 

What's your take? Does complete silence make you uncomfortable, or do you find yourself in your element in quiet environments?

You can also read prior posts by clicking here: How to Understand People

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