Brits can only tolerate 7.1 seconds of awkward silence before it breaks… but that’s still longer than the Americans and the French
It can be the scourge of every polite social interaction.
But the British are among the best in the world at tolerating awkward silence, scientists have discovered.
Research has revealed the precise point at which people from different countries start to feel uncomfortable when the conversation dries up – and the average Briton, they discovered, only starts shaking after a long 7.1 seconds of silence.
For comparison: talkative Brazilians crack after 5.5 seconds and Italians and Colombians after 6.2 seconds. Americans only last a little longer, starting to feel uncomfortable after 6.3 seconds.
The international average, according to the survey of more than 26,000 people by online language teacher Preply, is 6.8 seconds – meaning Brits are willing to put up with a little social embarrassment for longer than most.
And while interactions with strangers are likely to lead to awkward silences, a third say they put up with them with their bosses, and one in five with their in-laws.
Preply spokesperson Yolanda Del Peso said: ‘Cultural differences shape the way people respond to extended periods of silence.
‘In many Asian cultures, silence is seen as polite – as a sign of attention and polite, thoughtful consideration.
Brits are among the world’s best at tolerating awkward silence in a conversation, lasting an average of 7.1 seconds (file photo)
Chatty Brazilians crack up after just 5.5 seconds and Italians and Colombians after 6.2 seconds, while research shows we are most likely to have awkward silences with strangers
‘But Western cultures often find silence uncomfortable, prompting people to actively fill in the gaps… the average turning point is around 6.8 seconds.’
William Hanson, author of the etiquette guide Just Good Manners, emphasizes that awkward pauses are “not a catastrophe but an opportunity.”
He said, “Embrace the silence with grace, without fidgeting or panicking, as a calm demeanor reflects confidence.
“Breaks are a natural rhythm of human interaction, and your calmness will invite others to join in without pressure.”