being called quiet ... ?

Question

Do you think it's an insult to be called "quiet"? Does it bother you to be called that? Finally, how would you respond?

Answer 1

It's not an insult to be called "quiet." Depending on the context of the statement. If the person is trying to say that you are "Boring" then that is different.

'-)

Answer 2

People have always commented on the fact that I'm quiet. When I was younger, it really upset me because it basically makes you feel as if something is wrong with you -- I mean, why else would they have to point it out? It really affected me when I was a teenager and contributed to the inferiority complex I developed.

I had always assummed that when I became an adult, the comments would stop. You'd think people just become more accepting, tolerant or sensitive as they get older. Unfortunately, they haven't. Despite the fact that I myself am a little older, wiser and a little more confident, the comments still affect me and bother me on some level. However, I've learned to distinguish between the friendly comments (by those who are merely making an observation without judging), with the critical comments (by those who feel it is odd or socially unacceptable).

With the friendly observations: "You just seem shy," "You're so quiet", I normally respond with, "I know...I'm just a quiet person." Or, "I am shy..." I mean, it's not like people are pointing out things I don't know. These ARE aspects of my personality so I acknowledge it.

With the critical comments: "And the winner of the conversation award goes to..." "You're so quiet I forgot you were here!" I normally just politely or shyly smile and then avert my gaze. Sometimes I'll shake my head playfully and smile, knowing that despite these comments are mean jokingly, they are quite ignorant. All you have to do is get to know me and maybe I won't appear as quiet as I seem. If you take the time to do so, rather than make comments like this, you'll realize that I do have a lot of depth and will open up in my own time. "Still waters run deep"

I also heard a quote once: "Those who do not understand your silence will probably not understand your words."

There's part of me that thinks that maybe people who say these comments, critical or not, are simply trying to acknowledge you because maybe they are curious about you and want to help open you up. What they don't realize is that the comments don't help. If anything, they may make me close up even more because it gives off the following impression: you're not accepting of me when I'm quiet, so how can I trust you'd accept me if I opened up?

Being introverted is not a flaw but a personality type and a way you restore social energy. People don't realize this and I wish they did.

I open up to others who make me feel safe and accepted regardless of the fact that I'm quiet. And yes, it does take time. People who are patient with you are worth the wait. :)

Answer 3

It depends on the how it was meant to be taken. If you mean it as an insult then it is an insult, if not, then no. But personally, I don't see why it should be considered an insult in the first place.

I would be bothered if I was called that, because I know that it's true. And if I were to respond to that, I'd say, "So what?"

Answer 4

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

It is the other way around......

He who LISTENS is he who WINS.... and the WINNER TAKES IT ALL...

It is very wise to be quiet......

You open up your ears.....

You pretend like hiding behind a curtain...

You get it all ....

You judge it right....

If you are asked to voice an opinion, then you talk....

It is very wise to be quiet...

QUIETNESS IS WISDOM, AND FEW OF THEM DO IT....

There is a famous saying:

"IF TALKING IS SILVER, THEN SILENCE IS GOLD"

There is also some Poerty on this...yet being translated, so no rhym in it as I think it will look.....

I AM BEING SPOKEN TO BY THE FOOL
AND I REJECT RESPONDING BACK

HE BECOMES MORE A FOOL AND I BECOME MORE QUIET
JUST LIKE A WOOD GIVING A SCENT WHILE BEING BURNED

By the way, the Poet here is talking about a certain tyPe of wood, which when burned it gives you a very desirable scent / smell...

So never mind it man, but also bear in mind that you wish not to quiet / silent all the time so as not to be misjudged by people around you...

You should know when to talk, when to listen and when to shut uup.....Be wise

Answer 5

Being called quiet shouldn't bother you unless somebody's trying to communicate with you. Even then, maybe that person doesn't quite know how to openly communicate and he(or she) unintentionally dominates the conversation. If thats the case being called quiet shouldn't bother you either , just tell THEM to shut up!!!!!!!

Answer 6

i'm able to relate. I mean human beings considered that i became quiet via fact i did no longer communicate up in college. although, those on the edge of me knew this type of guy or woman i became, and judged me in keeping with that. some anyone is in simple terms quiet interior the lecture room, yet via fact you seem to speak to others around, and not in basic terms be a loner via your self, i does no longer evaluate you bizarre.

Answer 7

I would not consider being called "quiet" an insult...this tell people I mind my own beeswax! I would respond"Mother always told me if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all"!

Answer 8

Well being quiet used to be thought of as being respectful. However nowadays if you are not loud and intrusive people think that there is something wrong with you.

Answer 9

It's not an insult to me, I'm usually happy about it.
How would I respond?
I probably wouldn't... ;)

A wise old owl lived in an oak
The more he saw, the less he spoke;
The less he spoke, the more he heard -
Why can't we be like that wise old bird?

Answer 10

Nope...I'm called quiet from time to time. It doesn't bother me at all. it is just an observation. usually i just tell people that I am observing, or gathering information for world domination....