Mesa, you make a very good observation about silence (as I rush in to fill the void). Most Americans cannot stand silence. I think so many times I've done or said too much because I've been uncomfortable. I'm learning to take two, take a deep breath, and think before I speak. It works with my kids really well sometimes. They know when they haven't been behaving. If I yell it doesn't have the same effect than if I stay quiet. They then correct their behavior.