I want to say something, and I know many aren't going to like it: There's a difference between being strong and being loud.

Often times, people equate being loud with having strong personalities.One article lists signs of strong (and sometimes scary) personalities as the following:

  • Not putting up with excuses
  • Being careful about who you let into your life
  • Hating small talk
  • Little tolerance for insensitivity, idiocy, or ignorance
  • Knowing how to listen
  • Not needing attention
  • Being fearless
  • Taking insecurity as opportunity

I know many people who have such characteristics, and they're not loud. In fact, many are quite reserved and speak only when necessary. They will look you into your eyes, say what they have to say, and keep it moving. In fact, while there is a time to speak, there are more times to be quiet. It's amazing how much you can learn by simply listening to what is said as well as what is not said.

These are a few of my favorite quotes about silence:

He who does not know how to be silent will not know how to speak. -Ausonius
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. -Abraham Lincoln
The most profound statements are often said in silence. -Lynn Johnston

And for those who feel like they just have to speak their minds at all times, giving unsolicited advice and opinions on matters which don't concern them (usually women), we can all base our values on how well we keep our homes, how we balance our careers and motherhood while still keeping ourselves up; but how many of us can say that we've studied to be quiet?

Have you ever felt like you had it all together but got cheated on, and you considered the person your partner chose was a downgrade? Most of us have. Wondered why he chose her "with her dusty-looking self?" Perhaps she gave him what we didn't: Peace. After all, "Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife." Prov. 21:9

We want to quote the bible for everything a man is supposed to do. Why don't we quote that part and live by it?

(Side note: I LOVE Tamar Braxton, but too many people fashion their personalities like hers. There is no doubt that she puts on at least a little for the cameras, and that there is some editing involved, but the woman is loud... Funny and truthful but loud.)

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