The Awkward Silence (A Comedy Piece)

Marcus Lee, Staff Writer

Everyone now and then comes across a social situation that they just don’t know how to deal with it. The awkward silence occurs when you are with an old pal, someone you don’t know very well, or any other dude on the street, and there is a lull in the conversation.  No one says anything, and it typically happens when a topic of conversation has ended, and neither person has anything else to say.  Here are some tips to deal with The Awkward Silence:

Make direct eye contact 

Everyone knows that eye contact is important.  According to evenesis.com, it tells the person, “You are important and I am listening.” This remains true even if the person is not talking and you aren’t listening to anything except the awkward pause in the conversation.

Don’t move or sway

This will intimidate the person and it lets them know that they need to initiate otherwise it will be more awkward. 

Don’t say anything

There is a saying that goes, “If you don’t have anything to say, let the other person initiate.”  This also goes with the following situation!  Take the time to let the person think about something to say.  

Abort 

If all else fails, and the person does not say anything, stare at them for five more seconds before running away.  I’d say that’s a success.

Well, that wraps up the situation.  Either the person will initiate, you will run away without any response, or both of you will run away.  All of these situations are acceptable.  Just follow this guide and you’ll be fine.