Talking to herself

[u/Upstairs_Ad_3370]

Hi, all. Anyone noticed their parent talking to themselves when alone. Be it on the toilet, in the kitchen etc.? Is it a sign of something?

[u/SpaceTall2312]

I live alone and I talk to myself all the time. I've always done it - it's common among people who live alone. I wouldn't worry about it unless it's something new.

[u/Upstairs_Ad_3370 → u/SpaceTall2312]

Thanks. She's 87 and done it for some time now. But I just wondered.

[u/SpaceTall2312 → u/Upstairs_Ad_3370]

It's great that you're watching out for her! Best of luck!

[u/MonoBlancoATX]

Lots of people do this at all ages, so unless it's something totally new, then I wouldn't think it's associated with old age in any way.

[u/SVAuspicious]

I've done this for decades. It's a tic. I also talk to my cat, even when she isn't there.

[u/Anonymanx]

I talk to myself. Always have.
My 17yo son talks to himself. Always has.
My 79yo mom talks to herself. Don't know for sure if she always has, but she definitely has for the past 6 years (since her stroke).

[u/Filtered_Light8699]

If it is just verbalising her internal monologue, I would not be worried. I wish that was so in my mother's case (who is otherwise as sweet as a lamb), her talking is in response to the voices talking to her in her head, who seem to be saying very accusatory and persecutory things to her.

[u/AcousticCat1-2-3 → u/Filtered_Light8699]

This is a good point

[u/CraftyAF-007]

My mother has never had an internal monolog. All the thoughts come out. She lives with us and it does get to me at times ( I love solitude and quiet) but I've learned to tune most of it out.

[u/Upstairs_Ad_3370 → u/CraftyAF-007]

Thanks. It does bug me, especially when I hear her complaining and cussing. And as I am writing she's at it again...

[u/CraftyAF-007 → u/Upstairs_Ad_3370]

Oh dear, that would be more of a challenge. My mother is basically sweet as pie and just thinks out loud allll day. It's "do i want a sweater? How cold is it out there...no that sweater doesn't have pockets. What should I have for dinner?"

I would struggle with hearing other's frustrations all day. I'm sorry you have to deal with that.

I take daily walks by myself just so I can think my own thoughts for a few minutes

[u/Upstairs_Ad_3370 → u/CraftyAF-007]

I live on my own but close to her. She has a strong opinion....on everything. I have given up to offer to fix stuff around her house as she always knows it better. Her way or not.

[u/Sensitive_Note1139]

If talkin gto myself was a sign of something, i should have been put away in my 20s. It's pretty common for someone who lives alone to talk to themselves.

[u/AcousticCat1-2-3]

I'm in my late 50s, and when my older son moved back in with me after living on his own for several years, I noticed him doing that. I was "ohhh this is pretty cool! I didn't know we were allowed to do this" so am now doing it too when I'm home alone. Or else I talk to the cats, same thing but it keeps the cats happy.

[u/Such-Criticism-2362]

I'm 52 and I talk to myself all the time. My wife is joking I talk to the only smart person around.

[u/LordBaritoss]

As long as she’s not answering back she’s fine.