Something about walking makes talking easier.

There’s something about walking that makes talking easier.

Rhythm certainly. Strolling along is comfortable. When you find your pace and match it to that of your companion, it can feel effortless and your words come more easily as a result.

I suspect that it may also be about a subtle form of priority.

Walking takes the lead, talking falls gently into second place. In second place, the pressure’s off. Talking isn’t the main thing; it’s not critical.

Stop walking and you stop the walk. A massive point of emphasis, perhaps, but not one that’s valid once you’re over the age of 5.

Stop talking and on you go. There is still progress, time perhaps to consider what’s been said or, in a matter of yards, forget it completely.

The side-by-side aspect also helps, I think. No one’s facing anyone down.

A glare looks pretty weird from the side and you can generally lose a shocked and horrified face by falling a step or two back, or forward, long enough to let it pass.

Walking and talking works at work too. Tricky stuff that makes people dumb in the conference room can be cleared up in a moment when you’re literally moving along.

Walking along the beach is best, always. There are natural interruptions as you jump to keep your feet dry or navigate uneven ground. Many a cross word has been lost to the wind.