Awkward Silences

Awkward silences: everyone has experienced them at some point; But what about the silence makes it awkwad for others around? The first day of sociology class instead of traditionally coming into the class and preaching the instructions, my teacher sat amongst his students silently. Over course since it was a situation none of us were accustomed to, we looked around and looked for the words to fill the silence, but found none. What could have even made this moment be awkward? The fact that due to our society we are used to routines even in different classes that we take in high school. These awkward silences seemt o almost be a direct effect from our society around us. Normally in school it is only silent during certain times like during tests or quizes or during independent work. Otherwise, we are used to a teacher standing up in front of the class lecturing us on our new topic of the day. I think thats whats makes us feel awkward in moments of silence. We are so used to either hearing someone talk or talking ourselves that when it is silent, we tend to have this view that it is awkward.