Talking to yourself is perfectly normal!

How many of you talk to yourself? It is safe to admit, no one will judge you. I will be the first to proudly stand up and say that I talk to myself on a regular basis. Why? Well, because it is perfectly normal to express one's inner dialog. Of course, it is not socially acceptable to do this one hundred percent of the time. It wouldn't be "nice" to see someone that you may not like and say aloud, "Geez, there is that jerk, _________. I really can't stand him/her!" So, there is a "fine line" that must be walked in expressing your inner feelings.

Years ago, a Russian psychologist studied the importance of children talking to themselves. He discovered that children often talk to themselves when making a decision or when trying to remember something important. It really makes sense. If I try to remember something important, I need to say it aloud to fully commit the tidbit to memory. As a teacher, I notice that many of my students walk around repeating specific instructions that I have given. They also "talk out" problems or feelings that they are experiencing. Some of these "conversations" are absolutely hilarious but, then again, I am sure that my "conversations" are funny to the person listening.

So, despite the t-shirt shown above, talking to yourself does NOT mean that you are crazy.

- the busy bee