Just a thank-you note for the great answer. My eight-year-old does this (exactly what the writer of the question described — it's just that she's younger) and I appreciate the help in letting her know it's OKAY! She's starting to worry about this behavior.

Liz in VT

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(2)
Dear Alice,

Talking to yourself...

Yes, I have to agree, talking to yourself is not considered the norm in today's society. As far as standards go anyway, which I find to be typical and stereotypical to say the least. As far as a different response, a positive aspect on the "subject," it does show a sign of intelligence, and I do it all the time and am not ashamed of it. However, unfortunately, I am guilty of giving into society and not allowing myself to do it where others can hear. This being due to the fact that I would portray myself as mentally disturbed in their eyes, at least. I grew up lonely and no one to talk to in school, so it comforted me in a way. Just a little food for thought for those self-talkers out there.

-Talking aloud and proud

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Dear Alice,

I just have to say, while self-talking may not be unhealthy to the talker, it sure is unhealthy to those that HAVE to listen to it while trapped in an office with a self-talker for 8 hours a day!

For the sake of poor office schmucks like me out there... Keep it to yourself!

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(4)
Hello,

I stumbled upon this website while looking for people who talk to themselves. I'm from Belgium and I do this also. In my case, I talk to someone who is not there! It helps me to enhance my conviction on certain thoughts, decisions I have to make on certain issues, or problems. I even do it when I hear someone say something — I silently react to it.

Because I only do it when I am alone or when there is no one nearby, I sometimes find myself in an awkward situation when someone suddenly seems to have heard me or when I see that, for example, a door or window was open without me knowing it.

I am glad to read that I'm not the only one with this behavior.

— Kaycee

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(5)

Self-Talker,

I also talk to myself. Often times, it's when I'm upset with someone or myself. I pretend that the person is there, and I tell them what I really think.

I would die if someone walked in on me! I was taught to repress all my feelings when growing up. Sometimes I even pretend to be someone else... for example someone with a happy life, nice figure, someone everyone likes. Unfortunately, I have agoraphobia with panic disorder. This adds to the problem of being isolated, which brings on talking to myself more. I am glad to know that other people do not see talking to yourself as a bad thing.

— Not feeling as lonely in Indiana

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(6)
I am so glad that it is OK to talk to yourself... I have found it so helpful in solving issues of the heart, and afterwards I feel so much better. I was worried that perhaps I was going a little crazy by finding this so freeing. Thanks.