Silence is best, rather than explaining or justifying what you feel. True friends know you even when you are in silence.
Sometimes there is so much you want to say and get off your chest. It is better to keep your mouth shut and not put your self on their level. Silence is golden! ~ Lee Smith
Before I would raise my voice to make my point understood but with time I learnt it is just a waste of time. It is better to stay silent. There is no point in arguing with fools. They will argue till they bring you down to their level and then will win with their foolishness. Silence is golden! ~ Prem Latha
When it is a family member who is completely unreasonable, when no compromise can be met, when there is nothing left to say because everything has already been said, when nothing seems to make any difference and the other person just refuses to be reasonable. I have learned to just let it be what it is and let go and say no more. It is what it is and you can’t make someone care if they don’t. ~ Kim Dayton
I once received a letter from someone close to me with very hurtful and misguided thoughts. I know this person all to well, and had I responded, my feelings would not have been validated and perhaps even be further minimized. Instead of subjecting myself to that, I chose not to respond. I have never responded to that injurious letter. This person who wrote it, I know is troubled that I never took the time to respond. But God is with me on this when I say, if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. My silence has spoken volumes and I remain true to this that it is a powerful way to respond. ~ Diane Dacko
I pray first before I talk to the person. Sometimes I have to whisper and speak gently so they can hear. Most of the time, I spoke at dawn after their restful sleep when the world is quiet. My voice is low, gentle, direct to the point and truthful few words. I find it very effective! ~ Len Roderus
As an aging senior and the only child of a long dead father a notorious violent,mean,draining alcoholic 24/7,365 I found out over the years with others who could not control their drinking the argument baiting into yelling, screaming, breaking,throwing was and still is the best weapon of an alcoholic to win by draining, just draining. One day years later I had to tell my father he had lost everything, his home, his friends, family. And then there was for once silence after 50 years. All he had was me to support him, he got the best in total private home care and remained silent thereafter. The damage however was done and carried over years later. And when people got nosy in the finalizing what was left at death. I asked one question, where were you? All I got was silence.
So silence can be both good and bad
if it is served rightfully and not in other person’s best interest to remain silent.So like everything else silence has its place. Both times silence did not answer the question just increase the hurt.
And I agree with the examples given. Once drained the other walks away only knowing he/she can do it again and get away with it. And does!
We must respect and use these tools given to us in balance.And know why we choose silence or reply.And then live with it.