The Week of Silence: What I've Observed Thus Far: · 3:12am Feb 5th, 2014
Informal blog about results because the test is still going and not everything I’ve observed is on here. I felt like giving a minor update so people wouldn’t be too concerned. Hooray. Most of these are fairly obvious, but many don't see how much of an impact it has until they actively track it.
People are picky over “I believe you” and “The Truth”
I watched the lovely people converse, held myself silent, and observed a trend. When people say, “I believe you,” they use it as a fallback for, “I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I do believe you.” Most people are insensitive when I use this concept in reverse.. For example, I replied to a conversation in order to study this trend with, “I’ll have to check up on that.”
The person’s face scrunched up and I could see the thought forming in this person’s mind. And then, it happened. “What, don’t believe me?”
I never said I didn’t, but because I felt the need to know whether or not the truth was the same as what was spoken, I admitted I would research it. And for the record, saying, “I believe you, I just want to know if it’s true,” makes people tense. I understand why: people love being believed in and that you take their word for it.
“That’s pretty ____” and “I don’t blame ____”
That’s pretty awesome, I don’t blame you. These two phrases are extended mental pauses. They end conversations prematurely, as far as I’ve observed. Whether or not this is a term widely used only in Texas or southern regions I’ve yet to determine, but that’s where you guys come in. Do you all hear people say “That’s pretty ____” or “I don’t blame ____” in normal conversation? Pretty is another “very” but it somehow gets away with it today.
It seeps into people’s writing as well. Pretty used to mean something. It was a step just below beautiful and a better word for attractive. Now, it’s pretty much used everywhere. (Nudges your shoulder).
Humming is a more prevalent mental pause in adults as Uh and Umms are to kids.
We thought we killed the habit of not speaking poorly; it turns out most adults disguised it with humming. It’s not nearly as invasive as keeping your mouth open and “uhhhh”-ing your way through a sentence, but once you notice how often it happens-
It’s annoying. Humming is not the answer. Keep it all in your head.
High pitched responses
This one I know for (almost) certain everyone has actively noticed at one point or another. When we find something contrary to our thoughts, we become incredibly high pitched. Why?
It allows us to speak faster and put more words out there. High pitched responses are a defense against being wrong, or being wrong for as little as possible until we can correct it. Take a moment the next time you hear something contrary to what you thought or believed. If you feel your throat tensing, you might be getting ready to speak in a high-pitched voice.
Or, as far as I’ve observed.
And finally
The most effective way to shut someone up is to not say anything at all.
Stare at them. Don’t blink. Make them feel uncomfortable! Saying shut up makes people offended and makes them talk more. Just don’t say a word. If they keep going, hold up a finger. Cock a brow like you’re about to say something.
Now you have open room to speak. Works on most silly people.
I see...
That's why you hate when I say 'That's pretty etc.'
This blog is pretty long, but I don't blame you.
See what I did there?
1797834
I may actually smack you.
On the butt.
1797838 Wow, I guess you're pretty ticked.
1797848
You win.
Well I can see why you hate people when they say those certain phrases
-Your bowling buddy Joe
I become low pitched, and my tone gets about as rough as that of a chain smoker with a hole in their neck.
Also, I sometimes start growling, mostly if I feel the contradiction is meant to make me put in a position to look weak.1797834
Long. Ha.
1798429
Hmm. Low pitched. Noted.
Remember, this is off of local observation, but I will keep an eye for this situation in the active world as well.
1799127
For this one
I actually haven't seen that, that often. though i have seen it in sentences and i have used them myself, but never to end one. more of a common one for me is "That sucks" or "I feel ___" i see those two almost everyday.
1799153
Hmm. Noted. Any sentence starting with "That" followed by any adjective may be a conversation killer, or perhaps a stall at least.
It unfairly summarizes a conversation.
"I got fired from work."
"Man, that sucks."
As opposed to:
"I got fired from work."
"Whoa, man, what happened?"
"My boss caught me on my phone and she's a strict jerk."
"Well, that sucks."
As opposed to:
"I got fired from work."
"What, man, what happened?"
"My boss caught me on my phone and she's a strict jerk."
"Well, what were you on your phone for?"
"My mom sent me a text about this weekend for the party. I set it to where her texts are on vibrate because it might be important."
"You tell your manager?"
"Well, it's not the first time on my phone. I've been caught before."
"Oh, I see."
1799233
Ahh that makes more sense now... i'm not the greatest with this sort of thing, i'm more of an observer