It might be the scourge of any polite social interaction.
But the British are among the best in the world at enduring an awkward silence, scientists have found.
A study has calculated the precise point at which people from different countries start to feel uncomfortable if the conversation dries up – and the average Brit, they discovered, starts to twitch only after a hefty 7.1 seconds of silence.
In comparison, chatty Brazilians crack after just 5.5 seconds and Italians and Colombians after 6.2 seconds. Americans last only slightly longer, and start to feel awkward after 6.3 seconds.
The international average, according to the poll of more than 26,000 people by online language tutor Preply, is 6.8 seconds – which means Brits are prepared to put up with a bit of social embarrassment longer than most.
And while interactions with strangers are most likely to lead to uncomfortable silences, a third say they endure them with their bosses and one in five, with their in-laws.
Preply spokesman Yolanda Del Peso said: ‘Cultural differences shape the way people respond to prolonged periods of silence.
‘In many Asian cultures silence is viewed as polite – as a sign of attentiveness and polite, thoughtful consideration.
Britons are amongst the best in the world at enduring an awkward silence in conversation, lasting an average of 7.1 seconds (file photo)
Chatty Brazilians crack after just 5.5 seconds and Italians and Colombians after 6.2 seconds, while research shows that we are most likely to have uncomfortable silences with strangers
‘But western cultures often perceive silence as uncomfortable, prompting people to actively fill the gaps… the average tipping point being around 6.8 seconds.’
William Hanson, author of etiquette guide Just Good Manners, insists awkward pauses are ‘not a catastrophe but an opportunity’.
He said: ‘Embrace the silence with grace, neither fidgeting nor panicking, as a calm demeanour reflects confidence.
‘Pauses are a natural rhythm of human interaction, and your composure will invite others to engage without pressure.’