We're cautious of what we say because we're worried what other people think of us. Do we sound stupid? Did we get our facts wrong? We don't ask questions because we don't want people to perceive us a certain way. Many of us would rather pretend we understand than ask someone to repeat or explain. Well, people don't really care. Most people are more concerned about their own self perception, just like you, to worry about what they think about your actions or questions.