Quiet in the Midst of Noise

I’ve realized that I tend to be very sensitive to my surroundings. Just from someone’s facial expression, tone of voice, or small gestures, I can sense something that feels off—whether it’s anger, sadness, or simply a bad mood. This awareness often makes me hesitate to speak, waiting for the “right” moment, or even holding back what I wanted to say altogether.

Most people seem straightforward; they speak without weighing the moods of those around them too much. I’m different. When I’m with others, I read every social cue and try to adjust myself so as not to cause discomfort. As a result, social interactions can feel exhausting. My mind keeps replaying expressions, tones, or gestures I just observed, even after the conversation ends.

Because of this too, I usually speak only when it’s necessary—when there’s something I want or need to say. The rest of the time, I remain quiet. My silence isn’t born out of fear or unease, but rather as a way to give myself space to process every detail I’ve picked up.

I don’t see this pattern as a weakness, but simply as my way of navigating the social world. This sensitivity does make interactions more taxing, yet it also gives me a different perspective in understanding people and situations. Accepting it, and adjusting how I engage with others, feels more realistic than forcing myself to follow the more spontaneous rhythms of those around me.