I Only Know You If I Hear You

I used to meet people and stay quiet, like I had some mystery they wanted to figure out. And for a while, I liked that feeling, being the one others leaned in to understand.

But then I realized something funny, anyone could just Google my name and learn more than I ever said out loud.

Talking less felt safe, but it also meant staying hidden. I have learned that if you have something to say, you should be upfront about it.

I only really know someone when I hear them speak, when I feel their presence in a conversation. So why hold back?

I still value quiet, but now I know that opening up builds the kind of connection I used to hope silence would create.

That was a good lesson. One I try to live by now, even when it feels easier to stay silent.

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