Be it in the library or in shops, I often hear old folks talking to themselves. Is it a habit they've likely always had or is it something to do with aging?

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[–] 57 points 1 month ago (5 children)

I talk to myself all the time and I am only in my thirties. I think it's partly because I work from home and therefore spend around 8-10 hours talking to myself or the dog at home, or sit in total silence. It's hard to break that habit when I'm at the shop or other public space. Many elderly people also live quite lonely lives, so maybe that's why?

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  • [–] 15 points 1 month ago (3 children)

    I spend most of my time alone and have such a strong internal dialogue going on that it does the same basic thing without me making a noise. My mother in law verbalizes all of her thoughts, and always has even when surrounded by people. It reminds me of my internal dialogue!

    I don't think it has anything to do with being lonely, just how someone processes their thoughts.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 month ago

    I'm like you, but my wife is like your MIL. It's caused some issues for sure.

    One big one is her thinking I'm being dismissive when she points out potential issues in a plan I tell her. I'm not dismissing them, I've just already recognized and addressed those issues in my internal dialog.

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