“I don’t have anything to say”.

That’s not true.

We have things to say.

Just that we think they’re not worth listening to.

Some of that’s ego.

Sheltering itself, avoiding rejection.

Most of that’s not being heard.

That when we move the words outward, they’re not received.

Because everyone else is talking, too.

Or trying to find ways to say nothing.

Except about everyone else.

In criticism, there is safety.

Security.

A parapet to launch from.

Walls to hide behind.

Defending ourselves from each other.