12 Times It's Better To Stay Silent And Not Say Anything

It’s better not to open your mouth in these situations.

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Words can never be retracted once spoken. As such, there are many situations in which it’s far better to keep your mouth shut, so you don’t end up saying something you’ll end up regretting later.

1. When you’re really angry or upset.

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If you or the person you’re arguing with are emotionally compromised, then this is the ideal opportunity to go for a walk and cool down before saying anything. Words spoken in anger or despair can cut to the bone, and you can’t un-say cruel things once they’ve been unleashed.

2. When you know your words will fall on deaf ears.

A close-up of a person partially covering their mouth with their hand, suggesting a gesture of silence or contemplation. The person is wearing a dark shirt, and the background is blurred, drawing attention to the hand and facial expression.

If you’ve helped someone through an issue before (or several times before) and they’re repeating the same cycles, then you know that nothing you say is going to change their behavior. In a situation like this, nothing you say will make a difference, and will only drain and irritate you.

3. When they’re constantly asking the same questions.

Two young women are sitting on a couch, engaged in a conversation. The woman on the left, wearing a maroon shirt, looks bored or disinterested, resting her head on her hand. The woman on the right, wearing a grey shirt, is speaking animatedly, using hand gestures.

Some people will keep asking the same questions until they receive the answer they want—even though it isn’t true. When a person is behaving like this, there’s no point in wasting time or breath on them. They won’t listen, and will just ask the same thing again in 20 minutes.

4. When you feel awkward or uncomfortable and consider making a joke.

A bearded man with sunglasses and a black shirt featuring green palm leaf print poses in front of a purple background. He is making an OK sign with his right hand and holding it near his mouth.

Most of us look back and cringe at ridiculous things we’ve said in moments of awkwardness. If you’re feeling uncomfortable in a situation and think that making a joke or being self-deprecating might alleviate your discomfort, don’t. Simply stay quiet or occupy your mouth with a tasty beverage instead.

5. When your boss is wrong, and the job market isn’t looking great.

Three women are engaged in a conversation in a professional setting. The woman on the left wears glasses and holds a coffee cup, the middle woman holds a tablet, and the right woman gestures with her hands while speaking. They are all dressed in business attire.

Maybe your employer has misspelled something vital in a presentation that’s going to the Board of Directors, but you know they won’t take constructive criticism or correction well. In cases like this, keeping quiet may result in you keeping your job. Remain silent and let their superiors correct the error instead.

6. When you feel that they don’t deserve your help.

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If a person has used you or taken you for granted in the past, or they’re doing something that you want no part in, then it’s best to stay quiet and stay away from them. Otherwise, there’s the potential that you may put yourself at risk for someone else’s benefit.

7. When someone is trying to teach you something.

Two women are sitting at a table engaged in a conversation. The woman on the right, wearing a dark polka-dotted shirt, gestures with her hand while speaking, and the woman on the left, wearing light-colored clothing, listens attentively. A laptop is on the table.

Keep your questions to yourself until after the lesson is over, rather than continuously interrupting. This is particularly important in handcrafts or physical activity, as the teacher may hurt themselves by being distracted. Additionally, use this opportunity to listen and learn, rather than showing off about how much you know.

8. When you feel like you’re being goaded into an argument (or an agreement).

Close-up of a person's face with their mouth covered by two red pieces of tape forming an X. The image focuses on the nose and mouth area, with the rest of the face out of frame. The background is white, emphasizing the red tape on the mouth.

If someone is baiting you in an argument, or pestering you to agree to something you really don’t want, you may feel inclined to say anything that’ll shut them up so they’ll leave you alone. Keep your mouth shut in these situations or you may agree to something you later regret.

9. When the other person will refuse to take onboard anything you’re saying.

Two women sitting close to each other, engaged in a deep conversation. The woman on the left, wearing a white blouse, appears thoughtful. The woman on the right, in a rust-colored sweater, leans on a cushioned surface, gazing intently at her companion.

You cannot reason someone out of a position that they didn’t reason themselves into. For example, if your elderly grandparent is spouting off about something racist or xenophobic, they aren’t going to listen to your reasoned perspective. In cases like this, it’s better to remain silent and simply distance yourself.

10. When you’re more skilled than the other person.

A woman with curly hair wearing a light brown long-sleeve shirt is holding her hand over her mouth. She is looking directly at the camera against a plain white background.

If someone is talking to you about something they’re enthusiastic about, especially if they’ve been working very hard at it, it doesn’t benefit them to hear or see how much more skilled or knowledgeable you are about the topic. You aren’t in competition with this person, so let them have their moment in the sun.

11. When you’re uncertain of the motivations of the one who’s asking for information.

A woman with long, curly hair is standing in front of a plain background, looking directly at the camera with wide eyes. She is wearing a denim shirt and holding her index finger up to her lips in a shushing gesture.

If someone is asking for information about you and you aren’t sure why, it’s best to stay silent until you’ve figured out their motivations. It may be something as innocuous as your work colleagues asking about your food allergies for a surprise birthday cake, but being cautious doesn’t cost a thing.

12. When your partner is in a foul temper after repeating a past mistake.

A person with blonde hair wearing glasses and a gray shirt has an expression of shock or surprise. Their mouth is open wide, and their hands are raised in front of them with fingers spread apart. The background is plain and light-colored.

Has your partner made the same mistake they’ve done a thousand times before, despite your advice on how to avoid doing so? Avoid the temptation to say “I told you so”, or it’ll just escalate the situation and result in one of you sleeping on the couch.