Shh…
Shh…
How long was that? 2 seconds? Okay, I failed this silence challenge. Like I knew I would. I can never stay silent long enough if it saves my life. The only time I’m able to stay silent is when:
a) I’m in the presence of someone I don’t like.
b) I’m in the presence of someone who is grieving
That is not to say, however, that I dislike someone who is grieving. I stay silent in those two occasions for two entirely different reasons.
a) I’m too afraid to say too much in the presence of someone I dislike because I don’t want to say something mean or disrespectful that reveals my feeling. Being an impulsive person who often speaks before thinking, I’ve learned to say as little as possible in this kind of situation, so I don’t end up saying something I’ll regret. Besides, my parents taught me to be polite and respectful of any person, regardless of how I feel about them. Staying silent is my way of being polite.
b) I don’t think I should say too much when I’m with someone who is grieving. First, I think of it as a way to show my respect and sympathy. Second, my parents taught me that the best thing to do to show support and sympathy to a grieving person is by listening, and not by talking. Listening does a lot more in a situation such as this.
Other than in those two situations, I can’t think of any other moments when I can stay silent. I’m just too talkative. I’ve been known to try to elicit conversations even from people who are reluctant to talk to me. Sometimes to my own detriment. It’s a flaw in my character. I was born this way.
I’m that person who talks over you and when I pose a question to you, I would not wait for an answer from you. I would answer it for you. It’s a flaw in my character. I was born this way. I also tend to repeat myself again and again.
So annoying! I even annoy myself! I think the only way to shut me up is by giving me something to eat. Well, what d’ya know, I’ve found a third way of staying silent. And it’s probably the best way. So,
c) Feed me, and I’ll shut up.
Feed me this Krantz Cake, and I’ll shut up for hours. Besides, my parents taught me to never talk with my mouth full. And with Krantz Cake in front of me, oh boy, my mouth will be full for hours.
The Novice Gardener 