You haven’t said much lately. Â What’s been going on?
I haven’t felt like talking. Â I don’t have very much to say.
You always have something to say.  What’s wrong?
I guess I’ve just been sitting in stunned silence.  You know: BP’s spewing gusher a mile under the surface.
Oh for heaven’s sake!  You need to get a life.
Like I said: stunned silence.