We all know one. Or perhaps we are one. But we all know a quiet person. That face you always see, but the voice you never hear beside you in class, or the bus, or at a club (even though you likely forget their name). They just seem to sit there and take it all in, or busy themselves with all sorts of quiet tasks. Maybe they're extra smart, or look interesting, or just prefer to stick to themselves- but there they sit- seeming to never speak. The quiet girl in the corner who always has a book. The boy who never says a word but does homework all the time. The student who just seems to sit and listen all the time. They're there RIGHT beside your conversation with your friends, but they seem to not even exist to you. I'm promising you- half the time, if you asked them what they thought about the topic, they'd have something unique to say (since they've likely heard the whole thing, I mean, come on- they're RIGHT THERE). Or they're there- and you have NO friends in class- just be friendly!
Ask a few questions, get to know them- hey, you're bored with nothing to do, why not?- even just asking about what they're doing or reading.
They'd likely tell you and open up. As a quiet person myself, and someone who likes to get quiet people to open up, I know that there's usually SO much going on inside our minds. You just have to let us know that we can open up to you. Just break into our minds. We usually WANT to talk, or at least don't mind it. I promise you.
And the quiet people- who seem to themselves or just observe- can be some of the most loyal, kind, and considerate people you'll ever meet.
I know that I may not express how I feel all the time, but if you ever need me- I'm there. I'll sit and chat with you about what's going on for literal HOURS (hopefully over coffee, haha). But during class? I may only give you a smile and little wave. Quiet people tend to be the ones who ask how you are when everyone walks away. When we do speak- seem to have a deeper understanding of what's going on than those who just talked all over you. There's a time for loud, but there's a time for quiet too.
Now sometimes- quiet people don't want to be talked to.
They just don't. I get that. I've had people that I wanted to talk to just be totally disinterested and ignore me. Sometimes quiet does mean that literally NOTHING is going on in their brains. Like NOTHING. But not always. I've always talked to the quiet ones- and made friends who WERE there for me when I needed it. Friends who maybe don't show it every day- but they really would stick up for me if I needed it. I've had some of the most interesting conversations I could ever have. I've heard some unique ideas, keen insights, and been able to talk about shared interests I didn't even know I shared with anyone! To this day, my best friend is a quiet sort who's listened and been there for me through thick and thin. We don't always realize how valuable those sorts of friends are until they're gone.
So- go out there- say hi. Ask some questions. Approach with care.
And maybe you'll meet someone who'd love to chat or meet a new friend who genuinely means it when they care about you. There's a beauty to the outgoing, the exciting, the talkative- but there's also a beauty to the quiet, the steady, and the observant- we can't forget the value of that beauty too.
