Silence is the old friend who shows up with a tissue for your tears and a brick wall for your conversations. It calms the nervous system when you need a break from the noise, but if you let it linger, it can turn into a polite but firm reminder that you’re still alone. The trick? Invite it in for a breather, then politely set it down and open a door back to people. That’s where the tug‑of‑war ends—when you decide whether you’re in a solo meditation or a group chat.