Stephanie's Closet

Some of them are memories, some of them are dreams..

in presence there is clarity

When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words :  A Reflection on Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence”

There’s something profoundly comforting in silence — not the kind that feels empty, but the kind that feels full. Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode isn’t just a song I like; it’s a song that echoes the way I move through the world. Its lyrics speak of retreat, of craving closeness without the clutter of words, and I relate to that in ways I didn’t expect until I looked back on my own experiences.

“Words like violence / Break the silence / Come crashing in / Into my little world…”

In today’s world, so many relationships — friendships, romances, even family bonds — are built and maintained through chat bubbles and voice notes. It’s practical, yes. Convenient. Necessary in a digital age. But also… deeply flawed. Because while texting allows for instant connection, it strips away the things that matter most — the tone of voice, the look in the eyes, the gentle pauses that hold emotion.

I’ve experienced it too many times — where a single message, maybe even meant with care, triggered confusion or hurt because it was read in a different emotional tone than intended. We interpret texts through the lens of our own emotions at that moment. A simple “okay” can feel like distance. A delayed reply can feel like disinterest. Even voice notes, as expressive as they try to be, still fall short of capturing the full presence of a human being in front of you.

That’s why I’ve always preferred face-to-face conversations when it comes to the things that matter. The deep stuff. I want to feel the temperature of a person’s mood, see the microexpressions on their face, sense the energy between us. I believe in the power of “eye to eye” and “skin to skin.” Not just romantically — but emotionally, soulfully. Because real presence, real engagement, creates understanding beyond words.

“All I ever wanted, all I ever needed / Is here in my arms / Words are very unnecessary / They can only do harm.”

This chorus feels like the anthem of my heart. I’ve loved in silence. I’ve found peace not in long paragraphs but in long embraces. I’ve discovered that sometimes the more we try to explain with words, the more we complicate what’s already clear in the way we feel.

In silence, there is truth.

In presence, there is clarity.

I’m not saying we stop communicating — but maybe we remember that communication isn’t just about what’s said. It’s about how it’s said. And sometimes, it’s about not saying anything at all, just being there.

So when the world gets too noisy, when messages are misread and intentions get lost in translation, I return to this song. I turn it on, close my eyes, and remind myself that silence — shared with someone who understands — can be the most honest form of love there is.

STF- 14 April 2025