Some people prefer peace and silence at home, but others need background noise like they need oxygen.
If a quiet house makes someone weirdly anxious or unsettled, there’s usually more to it than just liking a bit of sound. Whatever the reason, they require a bit of sound at all times, and will do whatever they can to make sure there’s always some humming along in the background at all times. For people who are like this, these habits tend to be pretty common.
1. They put the TV on “for company.”
Even if they’re not watching it, they’ll switch on the telly just to break the silence. It doesn’t matter what’s on—cooking show, property programme, reruns of something they’ve seen twenty times—it’s not about the content. It’s about the comfort of familiar voices filling the room. This habit becomes automatic. The second they walk through the door, it’s flick-on, jacket-off, deep exhale. It’s like their house isn’t properly ‘alive’ until there’s a bit of background chatter going on.
2. They fall asleep to YouTube, podcasts, or white noise.
The idea of falling asleep in total silence is baffling to them. Instead, they’ve got a sleep playlist ready, or they fall asleep mid-episode of a podcast they’ve heard five times already. It’s a kind of self-soothing that works better than counting sheep. Sometimes it’s music, sometimes it’s rain sounds, sometimes it’s a bloke explaining medieval history in a monotone. It’s not about excitement—it’s about distraction. Silence leaves too much space for overthinking.
3. They narrate their day out loud (even to no one).
They talk to themselves while unloading the dishwasher. They mumble commentary while scrolling. They full-on chat while making tea. It’s not performative; it’s just how they process things. A quiet house isn’t just boring to them, it’s unnatural. If there’s a pet around, they strike up full-blown conversations. They don’t even realise they’re doing it half the time. However, filling the silence this way helps them stay calm, grounded, and a little more connected to their surroundings.
4. They always have something playing while doing chores.
If they’re hoovering, they’ve got a playlist on. If they’re folding laundry, there’s a true crime doc on in the background. Quiet chores feel unbearably dull, like time dragging through treacle, so they soundtrack everything. It’s not just to keep busy—it’s to avoid the weird emptiness that silence can bring. For them, a quiet task is one that quickly invites spiralling thoughts. A bit of background noise keeps them moving and mentally afloat.
5. They’re the first to fill awkward silences in conversation.
Silence in a house is uncomfortable, but silence in a room with people is practically unbearable. They’ll jump in with a story, a joke, a question—anything to fill the quiet gap. It’s not about attention-seeking; it’s about smoothing over what feels like friction in the air. They’re naturally good at keeping conversation flowing. However, sometimes they don’t even notice how hard they’re working to keep things “light” because it’s so instinctive to avoid stillness.
6. They go to sleep with the radio on.
Not Spotify. Not curated playlists. Good old-fashioned radio. It’s less about choosing the perfect sound, and more about trusting that someone else is out there talking. A live voice makes them feel less alone, even if it’s the late-night DJ rambling about weather patterns and unsigned indie bands.
This habit often goes back years. For some, it’s rooted in growing up in a noisy house where silence meant something was wrong. For others, it’s just the rhythm of sound they’ve always leaned on to feel safe.
7. They prefer houses with creaky floors and character.
Modern, super-quiet homes can feel too sterile for them. They don’t mind the odd creak, the hum of the boiler, or the way the front door rattles a bit in the wind. These tiny sounds give a place life. Total stillness makes them feel on edge. They like homes that feel “lived-in,” not ones that feel like a museum. A little noise makes it feel like something—or someone—is always moving, changing, growing. It helps them feel less isolated.
8. They always have music on standby.
There’s always a Bluetooth speaker charging somewhere. They’ve got playlists for every mood—getting ready, unwinding, cooking, cleaning. Music isn’t just entertainment to them; it’s the emotional temperature control of the whole house. They’ll turn it off if needed, but only briefly. Then, back on it goes. A quiet house feels emotionally blank to them, like something essential is missing. Music fills the space and helps them feel more in sync with their day.
9. They talk to pets like they’re flatmates.
Again, if there’s a cat or dog around, it’s getting a running commentary on everything. “What do you think of this jumper?” “Do you reckon it’s going to rain later?” “Should we order a pizza?” It’s conversational, not cutesy. These aren’t baby voices—they’re chats. The presence of a pet gives them the perfect excuse to keep noise flowing naturally. It’s not that they think the dog will answer—it’s just easier than sitting in total stillness with no one to bounce off.
10. They notice silence immediately, even in someone else’s home.
Source: Unsplash If they walk into a place, and it’s quiet, they’ll clock it straight away. “Bit quiet in here, isn’t it?” is practically a reflex. It’s not judgement—it’s just a low-level discomfort they can’t help noticing. They might turn on the telly “just for background” or encourage some music. For them, silence isn’t calming—it’s slightly eerie. They prefer a place that hums with life, even subtly.
11. They answer phone calls on speaker while moving around.
Even if they don’t need to, they’ll put calls on speaker and keep the conversation going as they move through the house. It’s partly habit, but also because it fills the house with a voice, and that breaks the silence they’re trying to avoid. That constant motion, paired with sound, makes their home feel more alive. Quiet rooms feel stagnant. So they keep talking, pacing, and filling space while they chat.
12. They’ll sleep better in noisy environments than quiet ones.
Hotels that are too quiet? Horrible. Rural countryside stays with no traffic sounds? Even worse. These are the people who sleep better with city noise humming through the windows. It’s not that they like the sound of sirens, but it’s oddly reassuring. To them, total silence isn’t peaceful—it’s disorienting. A bit of distant noise, even something low and constant like traffic, creates a sense of grounding. It’s how they know the world’s still ticking over.
13. They’re more relaxed when other people are around, even in other rooms.
They don’t have to be in the same room, or even talking, but just knowing someone else is in the house helps them breathe easier. That hum of movement, the odd cupboard door, footsteps upstairs—it soothes them. Being alone in a quiet house doesn’t just feel boring—it can feel heavy. Even if they enjoy their own space, a little sign of life—another person breathing, moving, making tea—is the perfect kind of background music.
