7 times when it is better to stay quiet

Have you ever felt that it was better to have stayed silent instead of talking more? Learn to identify those situations in which it may be better to keep your mouth shut.

Do you feel like you’ve made a mistake by talking too much? It has happened to all of us more than once and they are almost always situations in which we fall into unintentionally. It could be a joke that ruined a special moment or an “unimportant” comment. The truth is that there are times when it is better to stay silent to avoid unnecessary problems.

I’m going to give you some examples of situations in which it is better to stay quiet and listen than to talk. Also when you are silent you listen to what others say. Many times, if you are left out of the conversation you can get to know the people involved in it better, because you can observe their gestures and how they express themselves. If you stay silent you will surely get more benefits than displeasures.

When others are gossiping

People like gossip, it’s that simple. It may seem entertaining and even fun, but don’t fall into the trap of talking about others. The next time someone is talking about your friends or someone you know, avoid making any comments. Just listen and you will learn a lot about the person speaking and the person they are talking about.

If you are asked your opinion about the person being criticized, it is best to stay silent or say something like “I think he is doing the best he can.” Although you may feel a little out of it at the moment, you will feel much better later.

When they ask you about your love life

“How was your date last night?” or “How is your partner in bed?” These are two common questions, although not the only ones. They are usually asked by our friends and that is why it seems innocent to respond in great detail. The best thing you can do with these kinds of questions is to keep it mysterious. Staying quiet is a better option.

The first reason is that you probably wouldn’t want your partner to go around answering similar questions about you. But in addition, speaking so lightly about these topics makes you look like someone unreliable. If you need to discuss a problem or have someone listen to you, do it with your best friend or your partner.

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After a very obvious mistake

It may be the case that you are wrongly accused of some event or activity related to you. Avoid the temptation to mention that the other person was wrong every time. Of course you will have to defend yourself against any accusation, but do not try to make a fool of the person who made the mistake. This would make you look pedantic and that’s much worse.

When you are the expert

We are all experts on some topic but going through life shouting it from the rooftops is not the best. Even if you feel the need for others to recognize your knowledge, avoid mentioning it on occasions where it has nothing to do with it.

For example, at a dinner with friends and family, focus on spending a quality time with them. You will now have the opportunity to talk about work in the office or at dinner with your boss.

If you know a secret that could benefit you

If you find yourself in a situation where you know something that could improve your life, your finances or anything else but would affect someone else, don’t use it.

It is a complicated situation because you will feel temptation, however it would show you as someone unreliable. Believe it or not, the benefits of remaining silent in this case may be greater than the benefits of the moment.

If you have no idea about the topic

Whether it’s among friends or at work, it can always happen that a topic comes up that you know nothing about. Although accepting that you don’t know anything can make you feel sad, it is better to say something that is inappropriate or that could affect you in some way.

“It is better to remain silent and look stupid than to speak and clear up doubts definitively.”

-Groucho Marx-

In discussions

Shut up. Listen. Wait. This is the moment when you often say things that you later regret. It’s not good to talk if you’re not calm. You can have an argument with your boss, with your parents, family…, but if it later turns into a fight, it’s better to stay quiet.

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Wait until you are calm to think clearly about what you want to explain.. Even if you are right, wait, because your interlocutor will not understand you. At first it will be difficult not to speak, but you just need a little practice.

Have you ever spoken in any of the situations mentioned? Staying silent at these times can be a very smart choice. Plus, this way, you will learn to listen!