If Ronan Keating has taught us anything, he’s taught us that we say it best when we say nothing at all. Never mind the fact that you don’t know who Ronan Keating is. Or that you can’t admit you know who Ronan Keating is as it’ll reveal to all that you know the Notting Hill soundtrack more intimately than anyone should, and spent countless nights playing his song on repeat while looking at a worn picture of Julia Roberts, as tears softly fell on your pillow. Never mind that fact.

Communication is important. This comes in immediate conflict with Dr. Keating’s advice on the matter (I’m assuming he’s a doctor because he’s so insightful). As difficult as it is for me to actually interact with people, I’ve worked hard at communication. Granted, this amounts to me giving a one-word response, high-fiving myself in my head for my communication skills, and retreating to my room to watch episodes of SNL on Hulu. Clearly I’m a real people person.

We all know the importance of communication. But there are key times where communication isn’t necessary. In fact, in those instances, you can “say it best when you say nothing at all” (Ronan, how do you make my heart flutter so?).  Where what’s truly required is action. Or where saying something will do more detriment than saying nothing.

In the midst of battle is a great example. Imagine soldiers stopping and talking about what they should do and how they feel about what they’re about to do. Now try to imagine those soldiers surviving. Can’t do it, can you? This battle scenario also extends to verbal ones. Think about that last time you were in a fight with your significant other. Now think about the things that you said that you probably should’ve left unsaid (do you really think that about their hair? Really?). And if you’ve never had a significant other then don’t give up hope, some day you will be able to get into a fight with someone you care about. I believe in you.

In the line at Wendy’s is another perfect example. Oh how I wish I could take back the day when I walked up to the cashier and attempted to initiate a conversation on the merits of choosing a cup of chili over the baked potato as a pairing to my Hot ‘N’ Juicy Triple (sidebar – Wendy’s, please change that name. That sounds like something you’d get at a brothel. Not a burger). As it turns out, the cashier didn’t have an opinion on the matter. But all the people who were waiting in line behind me did (the majority of which I cannot reprint).

Whether it be out of necessity, consideration, or plain efficiency, sometimes you should just not talk. In today’s world of sharing one’s feelings and talking things out, this can be met with resistance. It’s great that we’ve reached a point in our society where using conversation to resolve issues is the acceptable approach. And it’s important to be accepting of someone’s opinion. But it’s not always necessary to understand why they have that opinion. ‘Cause quite frankly, sometimes it just ‘aint worth it.

So the next time you’re in a situation where you’re looking for a simple answer, and the person you asked wrongly assumes a deep discussion is needed, just do what I do. Cut them off with a gentle finger to their mouth. Stare into their eyes. And repeat the following:

The smile on your face
Lets me know that you need me.
There’s a truth in your eyes
Saying you’ll never leave me.
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me wherever I fall.
You say it best (you say it best) when you say nothing at all.

Then quietly retreat back to your room and queue up the newest episode of SNL.