Why do people find quiet people intimidating

I'm a quiet person. Like, extremely quiet. I just don't like to talk that much except with a few very close friends then I talk and laugh a lot. Maybe I'm shy around strangers, but the problem isn't shyness it's the lack of talking. Of course with the exception of work I talk to people because I’m in customer service

I’ve had so many instances of people telling me how quiet I am and then they imply that it makes them uncomfortable. My question is why? I don't mind sitting in total silence, with strangers or with friends, but most people find this awkward.

When I went to visit some relatives, they had friends over and we were gathered around eating. There was conversation going on but I didn't talk that much except to answer some questions or make some brief comments. One of the guests mentioned how funny it is that some people don't talk. He was of course, implicating me. Not once did he did this, but twice!

It occurred to me that what was perfectly normal to me, was so inexplicable to someone else. I didn't do anything or say anything bad about these people, but for some reason my silence really offends them.

At first I thought maybe some people are just talkative, or get bored easily. But I think perhaps the majority of people don't feel comfortable around quiet people? My question is why? Why do people HAVE to talk.

I'm an extrovert who talks a lot. When there is a quiet person around me I just worry that they aren't having a good time. I used to be introverted and quiet and I know it makes people uncomfortable, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it.

I intimidate people to by keeping more to myself, just taking things all in. Some people even think I'm a snob, but I'm far from that.

I'm a fellow introvert and I think I have a few reasons for why people think this way.
-Sometimes they think you are silently judging them.
-Sometimes they think you don't like them or what they have to say.
-Sometimes they think you think you are better than them.
-sometimes they think that you are not interested in anything they are saying.
-sometimes they think that you have nothing in common

All of these can lead to hurt feelings or annoyance.

I've found that, "that's interesting" followed by a question will help because you've shown interest but you aren't the one who is talking, usually they take over if you ask questions. They don't have to be long ones or particularly interesting ones.

Silences make me uncomfortable as does holding up a one-way conversation. I find it frustrating. I realise it can't be helped but there are instances I find the lack of participation in a conversation a bit rude. Just being honest. I think if a person is being spoken to they ought to reply.

Some people have told me they find me intimidating because they don't know what I'm thinking because I'm so quiet.

Others have told me they're upset that I find them boring and wish not to speak with them.

When I go to bars, I don't go to socialize. I go for the live band. Many people feel deeply rejected when I tell them I like to dance alone.

Talkers are often nervous and they structure time with small talk. It depends on what kind of talk you want to be part of.

I had someone call me dull before because I don’t talk much. I’ve also been called the rude word for mentally challenged.

I think people find me intimidating because I seem so uptight and I just need to loosen up and try to have fun.

As for the people who called me mentally challenged, let’s just say the best revenge was success.

As for that women who called me dull, we’ve actually become sort of friends. But hell, who knows what her intentions are. I’m still kind of suspicious of her, but I’ve learned to lighten up and joke/talk with her.

I hold grudges.

I'm usually very quiet what I get is people asking if I'm ok

I'm an introvert too. People have complained, that I can be hard to converse with. I'm not interested in having small conversations with people I do not know. I don't see the point of it. Rarely is it ever due to silent judgement or thinking that I am better than them. I need to feel a connection with a person to maintain a conversation. If there is no connection, I don't bother. Anyway trying usually makes it very awkward.

There is a difference between being introverted and being shy. I was painfully shy and very quiet for many years. I have learned to talk and now am at the other extreme!

I think, as the others said, that people misinterpret shyness as rejection of them. Maybe smiling and at least nodding and making noises like "That's nice" and showing more obvious interest but not having to talk much would help. Is there someone you trust you can practice with?