Verbal Icicles

These people withhold their words. They are some of the most difficult people to be around, because you never know what they are thinking. They never seem to react. If there is a building crumbling behind them or they just won a million dollars in the lottery, they remain the same—emotionless. They are so frustrating to be around because you can never get a read on what is going on with them or how they feel about a particular situation.

In actuality, they mostly live in fear. They are afraid to say the wrong thing or afraid to say something that may upset someone, so they keep quiet. They speak when spoken to. As a child, they were often brainwashed by the mantra, “be seen but not heard,” or consistently told to “shut up!” They often lack social graces, which further compounds their insecurities.

Even though they are quiet and unassuming, beware! They may unfreeze one day and let out emotions that would scare the most ferocious beast. Withholding words and emotions from you is definitely a major act of cruelty.

To say that they are inexpressive is an understatement. Sometimes you wonder if they are brain-damaged or mute. They often have a vacant look. They are often rigid in their facial and body movements. They speak in monotones or in short clipped phrases. If they should happen to unload, be prepared for someone who won't shut up or who is ranting and raving in loud, uncontrolled tones. As they let out their stored-up verbal poisons, their reactions and words may sound more extreme and hostile than the words of those who let out their emotions regularly.