Strength? Or...... Silence?

[Solara]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

 

[criss cross]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

Too often, we mistake silence for strength, not realizing that some people stay quiet not because they have no struggles, but because they’ve learned the world expects them to carry their burdens alone. True strength isn’t in never needing help—it’s in having the courage to ask for it.

 

[soul]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

Silence is ultimate weapon of everyone....but you think once being silence you can save energy hahaha.
Silence sometimes can be harmful too like many people hide their feelings emotions and after time spent they regret for that so silence is weapon and weakness both

 

[Dom55]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

Are you student of psychology? How come you know human psychology so well? How come you choose topic which has lasting effect? It captures such a raw and often overlooked truth—how silence is mistaken for strength and how difficult it can be for someone to ask for support. Your dialogue feels incredibly real, and the emotions linger long after reading. But there are many reasons people tend to keep quiet. Bollywood star SalmaKhan's dad's famous quote ,"Aansu nikal aaye to khud pochna, log pochne aayenge to sauda kaenge." When grief overwhelms you, better wipe your own tears.Anyone else who comforts, strikes a deal with your vulnerabilities and fears . I agree five fingers are not equal. But its not that easy to find someone with whom you can share everything without any hesitation.

 

[Solara]

Too often, we mistake silence for strength, not realizing that some people stay quiet not because they have no struggles, but because they’ve learned the world expects them to carry their burdens alone. True strength isn’t in never needing help—it’s in having the courage to ask for it.

True that... And I've often seen guys taking pride in carrying their burdens alone. Some don't realise, some can't express, then there's trust issues.. and the list of reasons goes on..

 

[kannaa]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

No boy himself reveals he wants a lap to rest and hand to support as girls stay expressive we do want those support but the words are flying all over in the silence

 

[Solara]

Silence is ultimate weapon of everyone....but you think once being silence you can save energy hahaha.
Silence sometimes can be harmful too like many people hide their feelings emotions and after time spent they regret for that so silence is weapon and weakness both

Everything is relative to the situation that's all...

 

[soul]

Everything is relative to the situation that's all...

Yess exactly no one knows what going to happen next

 

[Solara]

Are you student of psychology? How come you know human psychology so well? How come you choose topic which has lasting effect?

Hahah noo... Am just a listener

It captures such a raw and often overlooked truth—how silence is mistaken for strength and how difficult it can be for someone to ask for support.

You're very right with how overlooked this is.. hence the need to talk about it...

Your dialogue feels incredibly real, and the emotions linger long after reading.

Thank you

"Aansu nikal aaye to khud pochna, log pochne aayenge to sauda kaenge."

Sad... But true... *sighs*

But its not that easy to find someone with whom you can share everything without any hesitation

The fear of judgement, trust issues... Keep us from sharing our thoughts with others . Some who may wanna share may not find someone willing to listen..
Sad how most of us only wanna be heard but not hear the other person out..

And thank u.. again I find satisfaction in talking about emotions.. u never know a new perspective may always arise from such discussions.. and that may help one understand another in a better way someday... ?

 

[Solara]

No boy himself reveals he wants a lap to rest and hand to support as girls stay expressive we do want those support but the words are flying all over in the silence

No harm in asking if u know who u wanna ask... I would blame the society and how we are conditioned to believe "mard ko dard nahi hota".

Everyone, irrespective of the gender, needs to realise emotions are not gender specific.. intensity may vary is all.. we are all human. Period.

 

[Anshhi]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

Wow, this is a powerful and thought-provoking passage. It highlights the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and understanding in our relationships.

The conversation between the two characters reveals the societal pressure to conform to traditional masculine norms, where showing emotion or asking for help is seen as weakness. The character's admission that he's been conditioned to "not need" is heartbreaking, and it's a stark reminder of how toxic masculinity can harm individuals and relationships.

The passage also touches on the theme of mistaken assumptions. How often do we assume someone is strong or has it all together, when in reality, they might be struggling or hiding their true feelings? The character's question, "How many people in my life have built walls, not because they don't want love, but because they're afraid to ask for it?" resonates deeply.

The final question, "How often do we mistake silence for strength?" is a poignant one. It encourages us to look beyond the surface level and to create safe spaces where people feel comfortable expressing their emotions and vulnerabilities.

Overall, this passage is a beautiful exploration of human connection, empathy, and understanding. It reminds us that true strength lies in vulnerability, and that asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
*A_AICS

 

[Honey bunch]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

Your writing shows how people who always seem strong might actually feel lonely but don’t ask for help. It makes us wonder, do we mistake their silence for strength?

Yes, Sometimes, they don’t stop needing support; they just stop asking for it.

Their past may have taught them that silence is easier than seeking help, making them appear strong when they’ve just learned to endure alone.


​

 

[Solara]

they just stop asking for it

silence is easier than seeking help

Heartbreaking... *Sighs*

 

[Dom55]

Hahah noo... Am just a listener

You're very right with how overlooked this is.. hence the need to talk about it...

Thank you

Sad... But true... *sighs*


The fear of judgement, trust issues... Keep us from sharing our thoughts with others . Some who may wanna share may not find someone willing to listen..
Sad how most of us only wanna be heard but not hear the other person out..

And thank u.. again I find satisfaction in talking about emotions.. u never know a new perspective may always arise from such discussions.. and that may help one understand another in a better way someday... ?

Someday? Neki aur puch puch? Anytime ... Always ready to discuss about subjects which are connected with emotions , feelings , understanding, and perception when opposite one is intelligent and good listener like us. And let me add small thing . I always think positive. No complain for anything in life. Happy go lucky type person.

 

[Solara]

Someday? Neki aur puch puch? Anytime ... Always ready to discuss about subjects which are connected with emotions , feelings , understanding, and perception when opposite one is intelligent and good listener like us. And let me add small thing . I always think positive. No complain for anything in life. Happy go lucky type person.

That's wonderful

 

[criss cross]

True that... And I've often seen guys taking pride in carrying their burdens alone. Some don't realise, some can't express, then there's trust issues.. and the list of reasons goes on..

Yeah, that's true. Many guys just keep it all inside, either because they don’t know how to express it or they don’t trust anyone enough to share. It’s a tough cycle.

 

[Honey bunch]

 

[InkyWhispers]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

Sighs...

 

[OliviaRose]

I lean back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His presence lingers in my mind—steady, unshaken, always there for others. But who is there for him?

Me: “You always look like you’ve got it all under control.”

Him: *chuckles* “Do I?”

Me: “Yeah. You never seem to need help. Never complain. Always reliable.”

Him: “Is that a good thing?”

Me: *pauses* “I used to think so. But now, I don’t know. I wonder… does it ever get lonely?”

He looks away, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. It’s as if I’ve nudged a door that’s been shut for too long.

Him: “Lonely?” *he exhales, shaking his head slightly* “No. I mean… I don’t know. It’s not like I need anyone.”

Me: “Or maybe you just don’t ask?”

He stays quiet. I can tell I’ve hit something deeper.

Him: “Tried once. Didn’t go well.”

Me: “What happened?”

Him: *shrugs* “People like knowing I can handle things. But the moment I needed something, they weren’t sure what to do with me.”

Me: “That’s unfair.”

Him: “It is what it is. Besides, you hear it all the time—‘Be a man,’ ‘Stay strong,’ ‘Don’t be too emotional.’ You do that long enough, it becomes easier to just… not need.”

My heart clenches. How many times have we assumed strength where there was just practiced silence?

Me: “But you do need.”

Him: *softly* “Yeah.”

A quiet settles between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. And I wonder—how many people in my life have built walls, not because they don’t want love, but because they’re afraid to ask for it?

So here’s a question—how often do we mistake silence for strength?

This is such a beautifully script
The quiet struggle of those who always seem to have everything under control. It’s a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us need support, even if they don’t always ask for it.

Not being able to reach out when help is needed is a heartbreaking reality—one that no one should have to endure. Strength isn’t about never seeking support; it’s about knowing that asking for it isn’t weakness.

Silence can be a shield, —but it should never be a cage built by the expectations of others.

 

[Solara]

Silence can be a shield, —but it should never be a cage built by the expectations of others.

Loved this line ... Summarises the whole piece so completely