Why is an awkward silence so awkward? Why do extended breaks in conversations make us feel uncomfortable? Many of us would rather talk over someone than risk an excruciating bout of dead air. We can’t stop talking long enough to listen and, when we do take a break, most of that time is spent planning what we’re going to say next.
We Americans are a gregarious bunch, tending towards a more extroverted stance in conversations. Social scientist Ty Tashiro says that it all comes back to expectations.
