If someone asks you, "Why are you so quiet?" and you feel comfortable responding, you can use one of the following approaches:
Embrace your quiet nature: You can simply say, "I'm just naturally a quiet person, and I feel more comfortable listening and observing."
Highlight your listening skills: Respond with, "I find that I can better understand others when I listen more attentively."
Introversion explanation: If you identify as an introvert, you can say, "Being quiet is just part of my personality as an introvert. I enjoy quieter environments and tend to think deeply before speaking."
Preference for thoughtful communication: Share, "I prefer to think through my responses before speaking, so I take my time to ensure I say what I mean."
Mention comfort in silence: You could say, "Silence doesn't bother me; in fact, I find it quite peaceful."
Humorous response: Lighten the mood with humor, such as, "I've taken a vow of silence for the day," or "I'm saving my words for something really important!"
Redirect the conversation: Shift the focus to something else, like an interesting topic or an activity you both enjoy. For example, "I may be quiet, but have you seen that new movie?"
Remember, there's nothing wrong with being quiet or introverted. It's an intrinsic aspect of your personality, and people have different communication styles. If you don't feel like explaining, it's okay to politely acknowledge the comment and move on without feeling pressured to change or justify your behavior. Be yourself, and embrace the qualities that make you unique.