No one asked Bernardo anything, since his muteness made him invisible, un unexpectedly advantageous situation. People talked and behaved in front of him as if he did not exist, giving him the opportunity to observe and learn about the duplicity of human beings. He began to practice his skill at reading people's actions, and it that way discovered that words do not always correspond to intentions. He realized that bullies generally are easy to cow, that the loudest are the least sincere, that arrogance is a quality of the ignorant, and that flatterers tend to be vicious.
Isabel Allende, "Zorro"
People don't like those who are quiet and observing. Some because they believe they have nothing interesting or amusing to say; others out of insecurity - one cannot be sure what the "mute" is thinking. No one likes to be scrutinized, do they? The quiet are being arrogant and seem so damn superior!
Why don't you start being the observer and listener once in a while? It's hard work to listen attentively, but it's worth the effort. You may, for instance, get into other person's way of seeing things, know and understand them better or even, I dare say, get to like them. Yes, once we look at them, let it be vicious flatterers, we'll be able to notice their reasons. I'm not saying you surely will, but it's a possibility :-). And a chance you may decide to take. Especially when you realize the cows are mooing so loudly because they are simply scared..
