Have you ever been jarred awake from a deep sleep? Or yelled at for daydreaming? That's what it's like to be criticized for being quiet.
Some people will attack the most innocent things. I'm not referring to those who are only making fun. I mean those who genuinely seem offended by quietness -- those who take it personally, as though it's an insult to them. I've been called names because of it, been labelled arrogant, self-centered, and rude. I've even been in scuffles because of it. My quietness has been the subject of countless arguments. It's shocking how much animosity I stir up just by minding my own business. After all these years, it still confounds me how much of a bother being quiet can be.
What should be considered harmless doesn't always feel safe.