<p style="text-align: justify; "><br></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">This is about you. Actually, scratch that, it’s either about you or me. Either way, stick with me; I promise we will figure it out together.
</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">You are in a room with a group of acquaintances. Everything seems fine until, boom! dead silence. Not the peaceful kind that lets you reflect on life, but the awkward one that makes you feel like you are suddenly wearing a neon “Talk, or Else” sign like the size of the signboard at our local <em>Mama Put</em>. You look around, surveying the scene, and the thought creeps in: “<em>Should I say something</em><em>?</em>” You give in, start talking, and halfway through, you are wondering if you just set the world record for the most unnecessary sentence. Sound familiar?
</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><em>*Hehehehehehe*
</em></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Sorry, I am not supposed to laugh but… <em>LOL.
</em></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Don’t get me wrong, jumping in to save the day can work when you are with your besties or your inner circle. But with everyone else? Nah. It’s not your job to rescue the room from its silence.
</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">You see, silence isn’t the villain here. It’s just there and sometimes, it’s okay for it to stay that way. Life has enough responsibilities without you shouldering the awkwardness of a dozen people who can’t figure out what to say.
</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">When I walk into a silent room, I feel that familiar itch too to crack a joke, ask a question, do something. But you know what I’ve learned? That itch isn’t a command. It’s an invitation you can politely decline. So, next time you are tempted to play superhero and fill the silence, remember: you are not on duty. Lean back, sip your drink, check your phone if you must. Let someone else step up or not. Silence doesn’t need saving, and neither do you. Sometimes, saying nothing at all says everything you need to.
</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Now, be honest: who do you think this write-up is really about, you or me?
</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Anyway, my name is Akpovwovwo Emetekefe, and I can break your writing struggles. If you hire me, you can kick back, relax, or even go on vacay living your best life while I deliver your write-ups exactly how you want them, complete with an icing on top! Writing is my jam, and I can’t wait to make you my client. Leave me a message in the comment session.</p><p>
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IT’S NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BREAK THE SILENCE
By
Emetekefe Akpovwovwo