If you've got nothing to say why bother talking at all. I don't like people who feel the need to fill the silence with words.

I like the sound of my own voice but also enjoy quiet. Often when I am in the car I switch the stereo off and just drive along in silence.

I can go one of two ways in a group if I am nervous, talk to much or just go silent.

I remember a number of years ago going with Tracy to a party, it was her friends, I knew no one there. I walked into the kitchen where a gregarious chap was holding court with a load of other people. He looked at me and said "who are you?" everyone went silent and stared I mumbled an answer but the experience was horrible. I'm not that good meeting new people although because of what I do I have to get on with it.

It's not that I don't enjoy meeting new people or find people interesting. It's a problem that lies with me not them. I probably worry to much about what others think. I mask this well.

I read this somewhere "If one is estranged from oneself, then one is estranged from others too. If one is out of touch with oneself, then one cannot touch others."

Generally I feel I connect well with others because I connect well with myself.

Self Awareness is the key, we need to become secure enough to be aware of who we are, both our strengths and weaknesses. What makes us defensive? what makes us angry? when are we feeding our ego? When we are retreating into ourselves? What makes us embarrassed?

Just thoughts........