Because people can’t tolerate silence. Not even a soft silence on the phone. Silences are, of course, worse in person, and most people will do anything to fill them, especially women. Centuries of socialization have conditioned us into believing that it’s our responsibility to create a cozy atmosphere and ensure that no one is embarrassed about anything. That’s why we laugh at jokes that offend us. That’s why we smile at people who pat us on the butt. That’s why we pretend that it’s just a coincidence when the boss repeatedly brushes against our breasts at work. Because anything else would be
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