Have you noticed that you tend to think negatively when you don't hear back from others?

I tend to fill the silence with negative assumptions—maybe they’re upset or maybe I said or did something wrong.

I think this response is from our need for social connection and validation. When I don't hear back from someone, my mind seems to try to solve the “why,” often thinking about worst-case scenarios.

Maybe I should try to remind myself that there could be many reasons for the silence, none of which have to do with me.