Can't seem to make myself heard

When others speak, I listen. Interrupting is not my thing and I can't bring myself to do it. It feels like the world is built for those who are loud, can unapologetically talk over others, and respond quickly. Conversations often move too fast for me to chime in, so I appear meek and quiet. Am I the only one?

14 Comments

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Nara

Feb 6, 2021 at 11:30pm

Yes, I feel this way all the time! Working remotely and having Zoom calls makes it 10 times harder to get a word in, because we can’t pick up on non-verbal cues to find opportunities to chime in. I’ve recently started a new job and haven’t met anyone of my team in real life, so I worry they think
I’m the quietest, most boring person on the planet!

11 6Rating: +5

Everyone is so long-winded these days

Feb 7, 2021 at 6:27am

Telling oh so detailed accounts of themselves, that unless you're prepared to listen to them for a long time before edging in, you feel compelled to hasten their exhalation

7 3Rating: +4

Agreed

Feb 7, 2021 at 7:16am

I totally hear you because I’ve always been an introvert. I just tend to listen and often feel out of place if I’m in a group full of loud people.

11 3Rating: +8

If you are hard done by

Feb 7, 2021 at 7:46am

Speak up or shut up!

9 14Rating: -5

Anonymous

Feb 7, 2021 at 9:19am

The majority of people are like you; just like there are usually 1-3 bullies in a class of 25. However, societal convention will always propel the more aggressive people to 'take the lead', as we can't all be followers and sit around doing/saying nothing. Similarly, one or more people in a group will always be designated the village idiot and/or be the target for most of the bullying.

10 4Rating: +6

dude

Feb 7, 2021 at 9:26am

i'm a bit older guy kinda low key talker but I'm usually quite garrulous when I smoke a little weed with others i will not shut up ha

9 6Rating: +3

You are

Feb 7, 2021 at 11:25am

Meek and quiet that is. Your behaviour is pretty much the description of those particular attributes. The fact is that if you want to participate, no one else is going to make that happen for you, and it’s not their responsibility to do so. So either buck up and jump in, or continue to be meek and quiet.

7 9Rating: -2

@Nara

Feb 7, 2021 at 12:50pm

This is very relatable. Zoom has made me realize how much of "I'm about to speak" is expressed from the shoulders down.

I think what you're doing – waiting, watching, listening – is a smart move for just having started a job. I'm sure anyone who has a year of remote work under their belt would understand and would not make the snap judgement that you're quiet and boring! We get it :)

8 7Rating: +1

People who never shut up

Feb 7, 2021 at 2:07pm

eventually may look around and discover I'm nowhere to be found.

6 3Rating: +3

Try, Try Again

Feb 7, 2021 at 3:41pm

No, you're not the only one. I'm an introvert and find it extremely annoying how inconsiderate some extroverts are. Quite frankly, it's exhausting to even try talking over them. And even if you do, do they actually actively listen? Just go, F*ck it and do what you like and wander off.

6 3Rating: +3

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