Yes, you are reading it right. Silence is that weapon which can actually help, rather save your relationships. And Healthy silence is what we are talking about here. Research has shown that Silence can prove fruitful in any kind of relationship. Likely to be said, you don’t always have to speak in order to make your point, staying silent respectfully is enough already.
Being completely present is more necessary than a full length conversation. And when you are amidst a fight, it is suggested to stay calm and listen, instead of going on speaking. Here are 7 benefits of silence that you must know, before you act:
Less arguments-
You will observe in time, that as you learn to stay quiet there will be fewer arguments on your part. Even if it is coming from the other side, you will be able to save it. If they are frustrated, having a bad day or simply amidst something stressful; your silence can prove helpful in giving them time and allowing them to relax and calm down. When they are speaking, let them so that they can blow off the steam.
Stay attentive-
But obvious, you stay concentrated and fully attentive only when you are silent. When they are talking to you, and you are simply listening, it makes you understand what they really mean. It’s like you are completely hearing their point of view and are fully aware of their concerns. It is a fundamental component of any relationship. People often want the other person to be attentive of what concerns them. Yet it is something that lies in the hands of both.
Creates intimacy-
Silence forms powerful bonds and even creates an intimate relationship. As mentioned earlier, it’s not that you have to speak and discuss everything among each other, you just have to be present there. But the silence should never be awkward. If it’s silence that you share with other person, then it’s a sign of a healthy and long lasting relationship. Conversation isn’t needed always with someone like that.
Calms the other person-
In the middle of a heated argument, if you shut up for a while it can ease the other person too. This will help you stay controlled in your response and even make sure you don’t speak something that is regretted later. Silence somehow makes you pull their anger down, and bring the argument to a secure conversation.
Shows contentment-
Silence signals that you are contended. You are satisfied in that moment with the other person. The non- verbal communication can be pretty helpful. Silence is the best for the flow of a healthy relationship.
The time to think and make the next move-
The most important aspect of staying silent. You get the time to think over before you speak something else. If you listen and stay quiet, you can come up with the best possible response. With this, the emotional intelligence of a person also improves. You are aware of how to react, respond and deal in relationships.
Prevents hurting-
At times, we end up saying things we don’t mean and they hurt people. Thus, it is then when silence comes to your rescue. If you turn silent and think before you say something, you will ensure that it’s not hurtful for the other person involved. Even if you disagree with them, you won’t offend them. Instead those few seconds of silence, can have a big impact.
Silence is good until it is healthy. It should not be unwanted or result in things becoming unpleasant. You should watch out before turning silent, like is it turning out to be positive or not, isn’t causing any confusion and not being a punishment for the other person. Again, it has to be consciously led. You must be well aware of the concerns of other people, when they actually want to be heard and when they want things to be addressed and talked about. Do not cause harm to those involved by giving that unnecessary silent treatment.
Therefore, silence has its own pros and cons. Be wise enough when you apply it!