A penny for you to shut up
Today’s topic is really close to my heart and I feel it will resonate strongly, although differently, with a lot of you.
A man leaves a motel room in the middle of the night, then forgets his apartment number. He goes to his car, honks the horn for a while, then returns to his room.
An answer, as usual, at the end.
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Silence can be loud
There’s a lot of loud people out there. The internet definitely didn’t help. It gave a voice to everyone, which means that even people who don’t have a lot to say have a widespread platform now.
It’s how cults are built - they usually just need good distribution and a viral enough idea - right, Pastafarians?
One of my greatest realizations this year has been how empowering it is to be quiet and listen. To answer with short, clear and concise phrases. To avoid fluff.
First of all, this often makes you seem wiser than you actually are.
Secondly, it usually intimidates other people as they try to fill in the silence and usually overextend the topic and often lose themselves in their own rant.
Thirdly, however, it is a dead giveaway regarding your chemistry with that person.
If you’re a talker and they’re the silent listener type, there’s a slim (but not zero) chance you’ll kick it off.
I only have a few talkers I genuinely appreciate. In 90% of cases, I relate better with people who are simple and direct when talking.
Figure out what tribe you belong to and start building your relationships with that in mind.
It’ll be easier, smoother and you’ll have more to talk (or shut up) about.
Answer: everyone in motel gets up and turns on the lights to see who’s honking. The room that remains dark is his room.
A totally jackass move? Yes. Efficient? Also yes.
Hoping to get back into the casual newsletter rhythm next week. You’ll see some news in your inbox today to catch up on the email that I missed this week.