Silence Means Yes

You have heard of the above. I have thought long and hard about this and I beg to disagree. I think it really depends on the question. If I ask my husband "Does this look good on me?" and he does not reply, I know for sure that it is a resounding "No". In the same way, I keep quiet when I do not want to get into an argument or I do not want to commit to something. It is the cowardly way out but it gives me time to think.

The idea of the above is that if you don't disagree, you automatically agree. Keeping quiet is the same as giving permission. Not that anyone is asking for mine. The only person whom I have any legal right over, is my 14-year old son, and not for long. I would certainly hope though, that if he did something absolutely wrong, I would be able to tell him in no uncertain terms. While I would have no control over his actions as an adult, my protest would be on record. After all, that is my right and responsibility.

Contrary to popular belief, I do not speak up all the time. In fact, most of the time, when I do say something, it is in reaction to a combative stance. I try and save my battles for the really important ones. There are some situations that when the above is true, I feel morally obligated to say "I disagree" and sign my name. I understand that it is not going to win me any popularity contests. Again, I understand that my consent is not required.

Sometimes, silence can mean fatigue. It means that one gets so tired of arguing a point that it is just easier to walk away. It can be pointless when the other side of the argument is the adult equivalent of "just coz". I am revising a quote when I say “Sometimes you have to master the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over.” It is time to let go.