the awkwardness of silence

i believe that most people are uncomfortable with silence, i know i am. i think the reason i am uncomfortable with silence is actually the fact that i'm uncomfortable, because that means that whoever i am with is uncomfortable, too- which makes me uncomfortable. when conversation runs out, all i can think about is what that other person is thinking about me, which i usually assume is bad, since it is silent and i know they are relying on me to create conversation, and thinking i'm weird for not having anything to say. i don't think anyone could ever actually talk too much, because i think that no conversation is bad conversation. i think in this society, most people would prefer conversation over silence. however, silences are usually only awkward with strangers. if i'm sitting in a room with my best friends completely silent, i am totally comfortable, but if i'm with strangers, i feel awkward and uncomfortable in a silence. i think people should be more comfortable with silence because it gives more time to think and be with yourself, instead of always worrying about other people.