"The fear of silence," yes... I totally relate to that. When I sit in a waiting room in the US, at least a couple of people seem almost compulsively obsessed with filling any moments of silence with words. Quite different in Denmark-- where I grew up-- and other parts of Europe, where silence is considered a natural part of life.

It's part of being an introvert that "small talk" feels somewhat shallow and offputting-- even if I recognize that it's a necessary social tool to get to know someone. But still, nothing wrong with just enjoy another's company in relative silence... my wife and I are both introverts, and we really like each other's company, but that doesn't require non-stop talking.