I have always been a shy and quiet person. This is especially true when I'm around people I'm not close to, but even when I am, I'm not super talkative; it's just how I am, and it's a part of my personality that I used to not (and sometimes still don't) like.
The thing is though, there are plenty of positives that come along with not being as talkative as others. So, if you're on the quiet side like me and need reminding that that's perfectly okay, here are some benefits that many of us have.
We're good listeners
People who aren't so great at talking tend to be pretty great at the opposite: listening. Sure, it's there are times in our lives when we need some advice, but other times all we really want or need is someone who is willing to listen to us vent; that's where we come in. We might not always be the best at advice (not that there aren't quiet people who are great at it) but in times when all that's needed is a listening ear, we can always help.
We think before we speak
Because we don't speak often, when we do, it's going to be spoken after we've given it some thought. This doesn't mean that we always over-think (although that can happen to us sometimes too) but it does mean that we tend to be more careful with our words. Anytime a quiet person talks, especially in a group or with someone they're not close with, there's most likely a purpose, which means we're not just going to say the first thing that comes to our minds. This is good because sometimes the first thing that comes to our minds isn't necessarily the right or best thing to say out loud.
When we do speak, people listen
Unless we're talking to someone we're close to, when we speak, people tend to listen. Why? Because it's so rare that when it does happen, people want to hear what we have to say. Not because what we have to say is necessarily important or even that great, but when a quiet person talks, it tends to get everyone's attention compared to when someone who is talkative has something to say.
We're aware of our surroundings
Quiet people tend to be more observant. Sometimes we zone out and simply daydream, but other times we take notice of the things going on around us that other's might miss. This can even happen in a conversation with a large group of people. Because a quiet person is listening rather than talking, we'll be more likely to pick up on bits of conversations that we would otherwise miss. Other times it's non-verbal cues we pick up on.
So if you're a quiet person, embrace it, because there are plenty of positives and negatives to both being quiet and talkative. I know that sometimes it seems like being more outgoing is better, but think of this: could you imagine if everyone was talkative all of the time? The world needs quiet people; be proud that you're one of them.
