Much gets said about how to have a good and engaging conversation. One that builds rapport, trust and deep connection. It might involve the importance of listening, responding rather than reacting impulsively, variations in tone and language and just being open and curious.

But I believe as the conversation or relationship builds, its important to have those moments of silence in the conversation. Even if you are in each other’s company or in the same room there is not a constant burden of conversation. At the outset, it might help process all the conversation which does happen. But presence of comfortable silence signals a much bigger quality.

That is of comfort and trust.

The ability to stay silent in each other’s company takes off the pressure that one must be always entertaining or at their wit’s best to keep the other person’s attention or interest. It creates a shared experience built on closeness and trust which need not be always punctuated with words or sounds.

So the next time, be brave and take those long pauses even amid difficult conversations. For even silence is a great way of saying something.