What is Happening To Me (and You)??
Jan 30th 2010
Julia LondonJulia London
I had an awakening the other day. I was on deadline, and I went to Starbuck’s in (Claudia, look away from the computer for a moment) in some old, too big for me jeans, a ratty sweater, no makeup, and my hair in it’s wildest state. I did not look presentable. I looked like hell. But I had a deadline and that’s all I am going to say about that.
Anyway, I am standing at Starbuck’s at one of those walk-up windows. There was no one there when I first pulled in. But by the time I ordered and turned around, the cars were backed out onto the street and there was a line behind me. I thought to myself, Wow. Good thing I got here when I did. And the lady standing next to me said, “I know. I wonder where everyone came from?”
I looked at her in horror. I swear to you, I did not realize I said that out loud. I must have looked really stunned because she gave me one of those, are-you-crazy looks. I realized in that terrifying moment that I have all the makings of a bag lady, because not only did I go out in public looking like one, I talked to myself and didn’t know it! I talk to myself All. The. Time.
Jack London has noticed it. He’ll say things like, “Do you always talk to yourself?” and I will realize that I just said something out loud. When I had dogs, I would notice it on occasion because they would suddenly jump to attention. It was because I had spoken out loud. In the course of writing this blog, I just muttered, “you’ve got to be kidding me” aloud because I accidentally deleted a paragraph I’d just written.
I don’t think I always did this. I am fairly certain that all those years I worked in offices, I was not the one everyone sniggered about behind their partitions. I think I managed to keep my thoughts to myself. So this is a frightening trend. What else have I said aloud? Where does it end? How far removed am I from pushing a grocery cart full of trash up the street, muttering to myself?
Do you talk to yourself? Do other people notice? What is your biggest idiosyncrasy? Do you go out in public looking less than presentable?
79 Comments »
79 Responses to “What is Happening To Me (and You)??”
Tina on 30 Jan 2010 at 3:46 am #
I talk to myself all the time.
It is practically a requirement for work. We all talk to ourselves.
I try to not look too gross when I go out. When I’m sick, I’ve been known to go to the store looking like death warmed over.
Kelly Ann on 30 Jan 2010 at 5:59 am #
I talk to myself all the time too. Sometimes it’s the best conversation all day! Ha-ha!
I no longer go anywhere unless I look presentable – I recently ran out of the house for what should have been 15 min to let my boss’s dogs out. No bra, didn’t brush my hair, no socks and no makeup. Yep, I ran out of gas. I was sweaty, my hair sticking straight up, boobs bouncing with every step I took. I planned to walk home, instead of waiting for a friend. I called my kids to tell them I’d be home in about an hour. My daughter gets on the phone and I confide in her about my apearance – NEVER AGAIN! She tells me, be careful the cops don’t mistake you for a prostitute! I watch a lot of the show Cops and that’s what those women look like.
I was shocked and quite taken back. I live in Punta Gorda Florida, I doubted prostitution was a huge issue in our town! I know a lot of the officers too, still the experience was horrifing! A friend stopped to get me in my walk of shame and I got gas! I have sworn to never, ever EVER go anywhere unless I am fully dressed and my hair is done!
Judy F on 30 Jan 2010 at 7:02 am #
I talk to myself all the time. Don’t know when the increase in me doing it happened. It happens more at work then anyplace else. Though I have been known to make snarky comments while out hoping no one hears me. LOL
I try to go out looking at least semi decent. Cause it never fails that I run into someone I know when I look like hell.
TrishD on 30 Jan 2010 at 7:37 am #
Do I talk to myself? All the time. In the car, in the shower, doing dishes, folding laundry, at work… I could go on but I think you all get the point. I’ve always talked to myself. Even as a kid I used to have full blown conversations with myself… sometimes in my head, sometimes out loud. It still hasn’t changed. Sometimes the talking to myself has pratical benefits such as the times I work out ahead of time what I’m going to say in a certain situation. I never work it out in my head or on paper, it’s usually done in the morning, starting in the shower and ending when my car pulls into the parking lot at work. If I’m really into the conversation I won’t stop talking until I reach the door!
At times I think I should record everything I say out loud. I don’t know how many times I’ve talked myself through something and been happy with the end result only to forgot how I got there.
Am I a bag lady waiting to happen? I don’t think so but then again I may not be the one to judge. I’ll have to ask myself about it later today… I’ll let you know how the converstaion goes.
KathyP on 30 Jan 2010 at 7:51 am #
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:22 am #
Tina what do you do that its practically a requirement? I picture a room full of bag ladies in Cube Nation, lol.
Kelly Ann, ohmigod, how I laughed. Not at your misfortune, but your daughter’s comment. Hahaaa! But may I just say that I learned a very valuable lesson from your experience, so thank you.
Claudia Dain on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:24 am #
Let’s see…I’m trying to find out how much a nice, shiny grocery cart will cost you.
I don’t talk to myself (I don’t think), but I do sing a lot without quite realizing it. Not actual songs. Songs I’m making up as I go along, full of sounds that mean nothing, an occasional word tossed in. My kids have grown up with this so they don’t think anything of it (I assume). What Big D thinks I won’t bother to report.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:25 am #
Judy, that is one of my fears — I wonder if I said something snarky aloud and didn’t know it.
Trish, let us know what Self has to say when you have that convo.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:28 am #
Kathy, I tend to sing in cars. I’m still a rock and roll star waiting to happen.
Claudia, this is something you should report. Now I have a vision of a little song bird flitting around her house, singing about getting the clothes out of the dryer. Its a lovely image that makes me feel so much better about my potential bagladyness.
Sabrina Jeffries on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:29 am #
My name is Sabrina Jeffries and I talk to myself. Not a lot and not so much in public, but I’ve been known to do it. I do it a LOT at home. I LOL’d about the dogs, by the way. My autistic son is what they call “echolalic,” which means he repeats what he hears spoken sometimes, especially when it’s spoken with great feeling. Fortunately, he doesn’t continue to repeat it, but there’s nothing like talking to yourself, then hearing it echoed by the little munchkin standing next to you. OR, now that he’s grown, the BIG munchkin standing next to you. And when it’s a curse word …. well, suffice it to say, you have an embarrassing moment. Because he mimics how YOU do it, so it’s VERY enthusiastic. And loud. Like you. Sigh.
KathyP, you’re right about the bluetooth. I probably look like a bag lady when I walk, because half the time I’m chattering away on my blue tooth AND I haven’t showered yet, am wearing no makeup, and have hat hair.
Yes, I do go out sometimes not fully spiffed up. But I try not to do it TOO often. All bets are off during deadline, though. *G*
Freshechelle on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:33 am #
Julia, once again your Photoshop skills have enhanced this discussion. Nice work.
I had a boss who talked to herself. She once paused over a ringing phone, said “hello” as if she were running her lines, then answered the phone with her chipper “hello”.
That’s weird talking to yourself. Exclamations like “you’ve gotta be kidding” isn’t weird, just expressive.
When I was 7, I asked my mom why she always had to have her hair and make up done in order to leave the house. She replied, “Because you never know when you’ll run into someone from high school and you want to make sure they eat their heart out.” (guess she always wondered about the boy who got away)
That kind of stuck with me. I wear lipstick and brush my hair to run to the mailroom in my apt bldg.
Freshechelle on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:36 am #
KathyP, the first month small headsets for cell phones were launched, I remember seeing all these really together- looking professional people talking to themselves walking down 5th Ave., looking sane yet behaving like lunatics. It took about 3 sighting until I figured it out.
Margaret on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:54 am #
I talk to myself all the time. I thought it was because I’m working on my recluse merit badge, though.
In public, it’s more of mutter that nobody can understand. My family has learned to stop staying “Huh?” or “What?” when I mutter. It’s not worth the repeat. I do speak loudly and firmly to idiot drivers who think they are the only ones on the road. It’s not road rage. I have the windows rolled up and I don’t confront them. Just vent. Makes me feel better. Drives my DD nuts. It’s just a perk to be able to drive your kids nuts like that.
KathyP. Don’t worry about the clean underwear. If you are in that sort of accident, you will find someone with big scissors cutting thru all your clothing. Fancy underwear, designer jeans and all. One of my granddaughters lost a team shirt this way.
It’s nice to know the bluetooth ear piece can be blamed for talking to myself. Do I have to actually be on the phone?
Pesky on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:57 am #
Talk to myself and respond. I feel the only reason I have a cat is so that if anyone catches me I can say, “I was just talking to the cat, she looks like she understands even though she doesn’t.”
Yeah right…I’ve lived with Princess Fluffybutt for 14 years, not only doesn’t she understand, I’m pretty sure her level of caring is about nil.
HewhoshallnotbenamedbutwithwhomIshareahouse often says he speaks to himself, of course it’s usually along the lines of: “Earth to Pesky, we’re having a conversation here, want to start participating at least on the mental plane?” “I might as well be talking to myself for all the attention you’re paying.” “Yo, fluffybutt, what’s your mother been doing all day? I’ll get more of a response out of you.”
All I can say is I have a passive aggressive response to this…I talk to him during football, his shows, when he’s reading… >:)
MizMacgyver on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:59 am #
I assumed it was an age thing, I have always talked to myself in my head. I have noticed lately that I think I am talking to myself (especially in the car) and my son will answer. Thankfully I appear to speak low so I am not often heard. At work, I talk to myself all the time, out loud and no one notices because they do the same thing.
I had to laugh over the headsets, I had one on as I was going in the office one morning and three people answered me before they realized I was not talking to them. I have long hair so it wasn’t visible at all.
I talk to myself so much that there are times when I think I have imparted information to my son or boyfriend only to discover I must have told myself and not them.
Pesky on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:01 am #
Oh BTW, deadline dressing, totally acceptable. I live in a college town and during finals week I see all sorts of outfits hitting the Starbucks. For a while it also seemed that flannel pj bottoms and henleys were the accepted dress of the college girls. Last season it switched to barely there micro mini’s hopefully with tights in the middle of winter.
Sometimes I just want to tap them on the shoulder and say: “I’m sorry, but it’s -3 out there with the windchill making it -27. It is NOT acceptable to be wearing a skimpy skirt and no tights out with just a sweater and no jacket.” But I manage to keep that in my inside voice…
or do I?
Claudia Dain on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:01 am #
Julia, you know, you’re on to something. I think I must be living Cinderella come to life—if only I could train the mice to grocery shop. The birds flitting around my head, singing operatic arias with me, that I’ve got.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:07 am #
Sabrina, how can I put this…I am not surprised you talk to yourself
. But if I would like to borrow and echolalic for a day to follow Jack London around. We’ve been having this discussion about some of the words he uses in front of the CPE. He doesn’t think he says it. He doesn’t hear himself talking aloud. He thinks I am the only one who does it, LOL
Fresh, that is great advice from your mom! I am going to remember that, deadline or not. And I, too, remember seeing people with those bluetooths when they first came out. I was so excited. I thought I’d found a nut. I was so disappointed when I saw the thing in the ear.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:08 am #
Margaret, a recluse merit badge? What do you have to do to get one? Yippee, something I think I can do!
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:10 am #
Pesky, we have the opposite problem in this house. I think I’ve blogged about this before — I have to call Jack London to have a meaningful convo with him. A commercial about laundry detergent is more riveting than anything I say. He can’t watch and listen. He has to be on a listening device.
MizM, I am wondering now if I talked during the office phase of my life and didn’t realize it.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:12 am #
Pesky, hahaaa!
Claudia, I am so not surprised. You sort of strike me as someone with birds for br…. No, I mean Cinderella. Yea, that’s it. You strike me as Cinderella. xoxoxoxo
Judy F on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:18 am #
Oh I hate those darn things in peoples ears. Working at the bookstore once some guy came in said hello, I said hi back and then he proceeded to say I wasn’t talking to you. Wellll.
I do talk to the cat a lot but I think Sam tunes me out. LOL
Karen Rose on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:19 am #
Julia, I also talk to myself all the time. When I’m in the car, especially, but I have one of those new cars with blue-tooth hands-free. I can look like I’m on the phone and it works for me.
And deadline? Ye gods. I look horrible when I’m on deadline. The only place I go is to the hair salon to get my roots done and they know me there by now. When I’m on deadline I normally fall asleep in the chair while they’re painting my hair.
So no worries. If you’re crazy, then we’re all bozos on that bus.
cail on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:28 am #
I’m in the same boat as all of you. I talk to myself all the time. I’ve been lucky since back when I lived with one of my best friends since she zoned out a lot, but then my DH does that too.
Back in NY, if I was angry at someone, I would put my ear piece for my phone in my ear and take a walk. made me look a whole lot less crazy.
Fresh, I remember when they came out too. I was so confused! It’s even harder with the blue tooths.
Nicole Jordan on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:37 am #
You’re not alone, Julia! I talk to myself all the time, although not out loud. My s-i-l does talk aloud to herself! And I gave that trait to my heroine in Dangerous Lord. Actually she talks a lot to her late mother…. long story.
I usually don’t leave the house without at least a little makeup but I did Thursday when I realized I’d forgotten a hair cut appt and had 15 minutes to get there when it takes 20!
Meg on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:42 am #
I talk to myself all the time! Even as a kid I would talk to myself. At home it’s more like I am talking to the dogs. Sometimes it is my only way to vent about things. When I am at work I try to keep everything in my head but it doesn’t always work that way. And I have been caught by co-workers and customers alike. I just smile, say hello, and keep walking (and talking).
I try not to look like crap when I go out. Usually, as long as the hair is not sticking out and I have a bra on everything will be ok. I have gone out in my ‘”lounging clothes” but everyone does and as long as they match I don’t feel bad.
Catherine Gayle on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:45 am #
I talk to myself. Probably far more often than I realize, because I live mostly alone, save for two cats. But I KNOW that I talk to myself a lot while driving. It’s uncanny. I’ll be having a conversation with myself that I think is fully in my head. Until, that is, I get one of those looks from another driver while waiting at a stop light. You know the look. The WTF is wrong with that idiot over there kind of look.
The biggest problem with all of that is that I also talk with my hands.
Katharine Ashe on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:45 am #
Freshchelle, your mom’s attitude is priceless (and so right)!
Pesky, I teach at a college, and I swear sometimes I want to ask the young women in my class if they really think their male classmates can concentrate with them wearing so little sitting right next to them. Seriously.
I used to live alone with my dog in LA. He was my best buddy and I took him to the beach, the cafe, the parks, everywhere except the grocery store. One day I realized I was talking to him as I wandered down the grocery store aisle. I no longer live in LA, and I still do this upon occasion. Does it count as talking to myself if I’m really talking to him in absentia?
Jamie on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:48 am #
I have talked to myself and to those who think it is crazy don’t understand that you can get your thoughts a bit straighter by saying them out loud. I used to hear people say if you answer yourself you are even crazier — if you answer your own question – you have actually solved your own problem.
Now for the hard part. I don’t know if I do this in public or not. People won’t tell me, but they do give me strange looks sometimes. Makes me wonder if I do. I talk to my cat a lot. Although most times it is to tell him don’t do that or it is not dinnertime yet.
LoriHandeland on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:50 am #
I talk to myself a lot. Didn’t realize I was doing it until my kids started coming into my office and going, “What?”
Now they’ll shout, “was that for me or are you talking to them again?”
At least I’ve been doing this job all their lives so they don’t think I’m nuts, or any more nuts than any other mom around.
My biggest idiosyncrasy is how much I stay home. I can be here for days and suddenly realize, “hey, I haven’t left the house for days.” And I still don’t want to.
One time I went to my MIL’s house to pick up something and I had on my pj top, with jeans, hair in a snarly ponytail and didn’t realize I hadn’t put on socks with my clogs until she gasped and pointed. Not because it looked so ridiculous–it did–but because it was probably 20 degrees out.
Christie on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:51 am #
Hey, Julia, it’s VB! Julia, I’m actually relieved to hear that you (and many others) talk to themselves. I do think it’s somewhat age related. We never did that in high school, right? I can remember listening to my grandmother do this when I was young and my mom would comment on it. As I grew older, I noticed that my mom talked to herself ALL the time. I thought it was nuts. Now, it’s downright scary how often I talk to myself. At home, in the car, in the grocery store, during my TV shows, anytime, anywhere. I’ve had to tell my son that unless I begin the sentence with his name, I’m just speaking to myself.
We need to invent a fake Bluetooth and advertise it. For all the self-talkers of the world.
nancyg on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:54 am #
I talk to myself all the time…or to the dog when he’s in the same room as me (he’s a good listener). I’m home by myself all day, so I tend to mutter things.
Also, when I’m in the store, I run through my grocery list mentally & verbally. Didn’t know I was doing it until I was thinking, “Kleenex…Where are the Kleenex”. The woman in the cart next to me said, “Next aisle.” embarrassing!
Does anyone else have CRS? I ask my kids the same question a couple of times, but I never remember asking them the 1st time. “How was your day?”, “What homework do you have?”, “Do you need me to sign your agenda?”. I think it’s because
(1.) they don’t answer me or
(2.) I can’t remember if I just thought it or actually said it.
I’m usually pretty good about dressing up to go out, but I generally don’t wear make-up running errands during the week. Hair goes into a ponytail most days. My daughter requested I wear a bra & shoes for the carpool drop-off lane in the morning. I told her that was as good as it gets at 7:15 in the morning, and she could walk if it was really bothering her.
Margaret on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:57 am #
Julia, I think writers on deadline might qualify for a junior recluse badge. To earn the real deal, you need to live alone, rarely go out in public, talk to the dog or cat (even if you don’t have one) and yell at the neighborhood kids for playing ball in your yard.
Unfortunately for me, I only qualify for living alone and having an attentive dog. Kids could play in my yard all day long and it wouldn’t bother me. The sound of children playing & laughing is music to my ears. Also, people keep calling me up to go do something. Family parties, lunch, hang out, etc. And I have to go! My lips can never seem to form the word “No”. I always enjoy myself and I’m not sure a true recluse would. Maybe I should discuss this with the dog.
My mother wore wig over her long hair and wouldn’t go out the few steps to the mailbox w/o wig and lipstick in place. When she died, I had a yard sale and sold 21 wigs of the same exact style for $1 each. The odd thing was 2 Mexican guys in painter uniforms bought them all. I figured they made a killing in their neighborhood when they re-sold them.
joy on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:57 am #
Totally talk to myself – sometimes feel as if I’m the only one who listens, and understands.
But I think more people talk to themselves than not.
My problem is, my officemates are starting to realize that my conversations and subsequent laughter is *not* me on the phone.
B on 30 Jan 2010 at 9:59 am #
“less than presentable” to me these days means without flat ironing my hair. I’d never even done it until mid year last year and now I can’t go to the grocery story without ironing up. It’s pathetic, really, but I just can’t. I feel like everyone will be staring at me and commenting how dreadful my hair looks. I’m extremely insecure and somewhat paranoid.
I talk to myself ALL the time. Sometimes, I don’t realize I’m doing it. Then, I’m half way around the mall and I noticed I’m moving my mouth. And people are staring. So, I try and stop it. For about 10 minutes when I start again. I have real, whole conversations with myself. After all, I’m about the only person who’ll here my nonstop chatting without complaining about it. Much.
Karen Hawkins on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:24 am #
Talk to myself? Uhm. Yes. To the point that when I actually address Hot Cop, he won’t answer because he can’t tell when it’s happening and when I’ve come out of my cocoon and re-entered the real world.
nancyg, I do that ALL of the time. I’ll ask my son how’s he doing and he’ll say, “MOM! You asked me that ten minutes ago!” And THEN I’ll remember doing it. I have horrible short term memory. I’ve never had any, either, so I didn’t lose it. It just never grew to begin with.
And Julia, (Claudia, I think you dropped a pencil. Is that it there by your feet?) you and I can be bag ladies together. As I write this, I’m wearing jeans, a three-sizes too big sweatshirt, and Hot Cop’s socks. Yes, snazzy dresser I’m not.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:25 am #
Karen Ro, that’s good company on the bus. I know at least it will be a fun trip to the loony bin.
Cail, that’s a great idea. hahaa! Then I would look less crazy.
Nicole and Meg, I usually try to have a bra and mascara. Those are the rock bottom must haves. Which is kind of pathetic that those are my only must haves, but there you have it. And in summer, its worse. Way worse.
Catharine, you might win the award for looking the craziest. I forgot about expressive hands (I have them too). But talking to yourself with expressive hands? Baglady.
Kathy on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:25 am #
I talk to myself all the time. my friends do too. sometimes they do it around me and I think they are talking to me and they just sheepishly grin when I ask what they said.
I’m the person in the checkout line who jumps into a conversation at random if i hear something i can relate too. often it’s at the grocery store to ther women who do it as well, but this morning I did it at a hardware store and got double strange looks from 2 men.
When I’m home, I talk to the tv or to the cat.
Lately I answer the TMZ guys outloud when they do their TMZ live online.
As for going out “perfect” hahahaha! nope! I do at least wear a bra and my hair is combed.
and I have clothes i would only wear inside the house, but i have gone out as far as the corner store to get milk in my jammies. lucky for me it’s only across the street.
Years ago I went out to pick up my then 15 yr old nephew in my nightgown, cruddy housecoat and green canvas sneakers. It was 1am, right after a big rainstorm. his parents were away. we got the van stalled in a gully on the street- the water hadn’t drained. So we had to walk to his house, so I could call a tow truck. i the drove the jeep to the van to meet the truck.
Kathy on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:26 am #
the driver got the van started. yay! so I then drove it home, walked back to get the jeep and drove that home too. all in my oh so pretty nighwear. luckily it was only 2 blocks in a quiet neighbourhood.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:27 am #
Katharine, I don’t think that makes you any crazier than talking to a person in absentia. dogs are great for that. When you have a dog, you look less crazy. period.
Jamie, you’re right — if you and Self have a conversation and solve something, then its the mark of genuis. If you and Self have a conversation and you both wander off without resolution, you’re just nuts
Lori…if the family is calling on your invisible friends, there might be a problem. just sayin’.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:32 am #
Hey, Christie! In high school, we were talking to ourselves and at each other, but since we were inseparable, it looked like we were always talking to each other. I think. We should check in with some old pals and see if they have the same interpretation as me.
Nancy, I’ve done that too. I say something and then wonder if I actually said it, or just thought it. And then I have to ask. Tres embarrassing.
Joy, you might have to get one of those fake bluetooth things Christie is going to market, LOL
B, I used to be that way about my hair, but I gave it up.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:35 am #
Oooh, K-HA, come on down and we’ll go to Starbuck’s together! We can get tables at opposite ends and really put on a show.
Kathy, that is hilarious! You and the CPE could watch Disney together. They are always asking questions that need answers, and he, too, likes to answer.
Sherri Erwin on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:35 am #
Yes, I talk to myself. I don’t think I’ve ever done it out loud with people around. But stranger things have happened. Not stranger than how Julia London looked standing in line at Starbucks, surely.
Michelle B on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:36 am #
I too talk to myself, usually the muttering thing. In public I do the snarky comments, but I worry about it now because I’m very hard of hearing in one ear and don’t realize how soft or loud I am talking.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:52 am #
Sherri, it was strange. Trust me. I know you do
Michelle, you and my husband — he is physically incapable of whispering. I have to make him swear he won’t ask questions when we go to movies because he says them like I am in the kitchen and he is upstairs.
Rachel Gibson on 30 Jan 2010 at 11:00 am #
I talk to myself all the time. Although I don’t realize it until Mr. G looks at me weird and asks, “what are you talking about?”
My worst going out in public looking like crap moment was last spring when I went to UPS. I’d just finished my book and ran to ups to mail if off. My hair was in a ratty ponytail, I had no makeup, and a big zit on my chin. The girl at UPS looked at my package and said, “Oh you’re Rachel Gibson. I’ve read all your books.” My face got all hot and red as my zit and I muttered, “oh crap.”
Madeline Hunter on 30 Jan 2010 at 11:12 am #
I go out looking less than presentable with some frequency. There is a reason that is not my real name on the books’ covers. Although I have sometimes run into students/former students in that state of disarray, which is awkward (oh, jeesh, this pharmacist took a course from me five years ago and is saying “hi, there.” Hey, I’m sick, okay? I just ran in for my medicine. I don’t ever look like this when I am healthy. Really.)
And, I talk to myself a lot. I did not have to get older for this. I have always done it. I try to keep it low, but since it isn’t something I am thinking about it rarely is just between me and I. So I am fascinated that this has just started with you. I figured one either did it or didn’t, not that it came on you over time.
I suppose we could say that we find ourselves among the most interesting people to have conversations with, right?
SexxySelly69 on 30 Jan 2010 at 11:17 am #
Julia,
I talk to myself all of the time, too. Especially when I am on a very busy and tight schedule, while running aroung with so much to do , in such so little time…. It”s absolutely normal for you to talk to yourself… You are NOT going crazy either…. Sometimes, it’s the best conversation that I may have for that day… Hang in there and just keep doing what you do best!!!
Madeline Hunter on 30 Jan 2010 at 11:17 am #
Karen R, I fall asleep in the stylist’s chair too. Mine knows I don’t need the gabbing that they are taught to do. On deadline, that is the only decent sleep I get.
Lori H, I also can go days not going out, esp in winter. This is one reason why I keep the day job. It forces me to get out of here.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 11:39 am #
Rachel, I have never had that happen to me when looking my worst. Thank God.
Madeline and Lori, I too, could stay in my house for days given the right balance of snack food, TV and work to be done. And Madeline, I think it really has just started with me in the last couple of years. If I was talking out loud before, I wasn’t aware of it, and that’s not outside the realm of possibility.
SexxySelly, You are right. I am the only person who agrees with everything I say. I like that in me.
Margaret on 30 Jan 2010 at 11:59 am #
LOL Rachel. It could have been lots worse. You could have run into an old lover/boyfriend and his new oh-so-sexy gorgeous young girlfriend. Worse still is that she’d be so nice you couldn’t help but like her.
Amber Lea Easton on 30 Jan 2010 at 12:37 pm #
Oh, yes, I can relate to all of the above. I have even gone out in pajama pants, husband’s old t-shirt, baseball cap and sunglasses. Guess I’m trying to rock the party-all-night-like-a-rock-star look–only without the partying all night or the rock star credentials.
I talk to myself all the time without noticing until someone says something like, “what exactly are you talking about? I’m lost”. Usually, I’ll just look at them like they are crazy for not knowing and say, “just talking to myself.” False confidence is one of my strengths.
Marsha G. on 30 Jan 2010 at 12:41 pm #
I have been known to mumble to myself,especilally in the car.
I have gone out of the house looking like crap. I run to the grocery store or Target. It never fails that when I am looking SO pretty, I run into a co-worker(especially the one that looks like she walked off the fashion page), one of my students, or their parents. It is awkward.
Tina on 30 Jan 2010 at 1:09 pm #
My dad owns 2 auto towing companies. The office staff talk to themselves at least once a day or more.
Sabrina Jeffries on 30 Jan 2010 at 1:22 pm #
Ahem, are you saying that I talk a lot? Are you? I don’t know where you got that idea. I am such a quiet mouse. When I’m not talking to myself, that is.
evlqn on 30 Jan 2010 at 2:13 pm #
Julia, I chat myself up ALL the time, I’m bff with me. When I get caught doing it outside the house I just tell whomever,”Pay no attention to that woman behind the screen.” and continue on my chatting way. So every now and again you run across someone who thinks you are bonkers, SO WHAT? you will probably never see them again anyway.
Julia I have gone to the coffee shop looking like I dressed in the dark. If I am in that condition, back away and no one gets hurt, I am in caffeine meltdown.
I rarely spiff up to leave the house anymore; if I am in clean clothes, brushed hair and no one needs to be upwind of me, I’m good. Back in the day I never left the house without war-paint or the bag from hell that carried said war-paint,at least a change of blouse (just in case), hair products, travel tooth brush,sewing kit, tool kit, flash light and two books (one I was reading & one I could read if I finished the first). Now all I take is my wallet, my book (singular -I have an extra in the car), my camera, phone and an ink pen.
Pesky on 30 Jan 2010 at 2:49 pm #
Hmmmm… I was just wondering if the phenomenon of “the accent” would work when you’re talking to yourself.
Along the lines of, if someone speaks with a british, irish, scottish, french, etc accent they all of a sudden become much more charming and knowledgeable…
If you speak to yourself in a upper crust, english headmistress accent while wandering about the streets dressed in mismatched clothes will people find you charmingly eccentric or just batpoo crazy?
Hmmmm…this seems like a social experiment in the making. I’ll have to get my crew of merry men together and go out on the streets of a town where I will not be recognized. There will be merriment and unfortunately photo ops of the Youtube variety aplenty methinks… yep, my peeps will be onboard for this… if not just for the blackmail opportunities.
evlqn on 30 Jan 2010 at 3:00 pm #
Pesky & her peeps, sally forth on this mission of utmost importance! After all inquiring minds want to know!
Kathy on 30 Jan 2010 at 3:16 pm #
I no longer feel so alone in the “dressed badly and talking to myself “category!
chelleyreads on 30 Jan 2010 at 3:45 pm #
this post makes me feel better. i’m the same. sometimes i would say things that i’m thinking out loud and i don’t mean to say aloud. i especially talk/murmur to myself when i’m writing papers or really when i’m thinking really hard.
Julia London on 30 Jan 2010 at 6:19 pm #
Chelleyreads, it makes me feel better, too. I had no idea how many people were borderline bagladies
.
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 30 Jan 2010 at 7:01 pm #
Yes, yes, and (Grandmom, forgive me) yes. However, in defense of speaking to oneself, let me say that it often helps me get chaotic thoughts in order. When under stress (such as, in your case, a deadline,) the need to bring order to the Mixmaster whirling away in my head requires slowing the speed, and speaking the thoughts does that. They become less nebulous (I wanted to say concrete, but even I’m not that much of an optimist.)
It used to be I wouldn’t go out of the house without being properly coiffed and “done.” Then, one day, youngest said, “Mom, you’re old. Nobody cares.” Well, darlin’, please feel free to swing that particular sledge hammer again any old time. *sigh* Now, I realized two things. One, while being mature, I AM NOT OLD! Two, living in plaid shirt heaven, she’s right. Nobody cares. And with the plate before me, right now, neither do I. Tomorrow. Maybe.
evlqn on 30 Jan 2010 at 7:11 pm #
Gwynlyn, children have no filter between brain and mouth; they think it, they say it and if you say it they repeat it.
And everyone knows you don’t even begin to be old until you can get the “blue-haired dragon” discount at the stores. One of the advantages to maturing is if you do get caught talking to yourself you can always claim you were telling your inner child to behave.
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 30 Jan 2010 at 7:29 pm #
evlqn, Thanks, but this child is 28 and works with the public. Her filters work with everyone but me. I just remind myself, you have to love them; it’s illegal to shoot them. Besides, paybacks being what they are, I’m waiting . . .
evlqn on 30 Jan 2010 at 7:54 pm #
Our boys counselor says they are so vile with us sometimes because they feel safe that we will still love them no matter what. And that is true but I can still love them after I put them under the deck.
Do you have one of those blackmail baby pictures of her?? A poster of it would be nice.
Louisa Cornell on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:03 pm #
I talk to myself so much that the girls in the bakery can now tell when I’m talking to myself and when I am talking to them. Upper management has a tougher time. They’ll ask “Is she talking to me?” “No, she’s talking to herself. She does that.” Of course they also say “She’s writing. She does that from time to time.” if I pull an index card out of my pocket and start scribbling on it.
The sad thing is my dogs and cats can also tell the difference between when I am talking to them and when I am talking to myself. They perk up for the former, ignore completely the latter.
And if I am not at work I could probably be arrested for my appearance on any given day. Sweatpants, mudshoes, baggy t-shirts or sweatshirts three sizes too big. No bra, usually no socks, definitely no makeup and my hair in a pony tail or a messy bun or braid. Of course I usually arrange it so that I don’t have to leave my property on my days off. That way the only ones I scare are the neighbor’s cows.
I have a drab Wal-Mart uniform for work – khakis and navy shirt. I can’t wear jewelry or nail polish. I look pretty plain at work. If I dress up and have to stop by the store for something they don’t know me!
Linda on 30 Jan 2010 at 8:30 pm #
After reading this, I had to ask my son if I talk to myself.
He said I sometimes talk to my computer. Ha! Who knew?
I do know I repeat myself because I don’t always remember if I just thought about something or actually said it. Uh oh, my poor son, who is the usual recipient.
I definitely go out without makeup although my hair is always neat. I’m a jeans, sweater, clogs and ponytail kinda gal.
Creative Talker on 01 Feb 2010 at 5:59 pm #
I’m an only child and a highly creative one to boot! I was born “gabbin” to myself and then to my dolls and then to the television, my homework, my pets and finally – I didn’t need anyone to entertain me and/or have a conversation with as I started asking and answering my own questions…. This I believe (my mom tells me) occurred when I was around 7 years of age!
My mom was told by the Pediatrician, Teacher, School Counselor and then Child Psycologist – “This is normal and is found among HIGHLY INTELLIGENT and CREATIVE children.” So, I was left alone and continue to this day to have very stimulating and engaging conversations all by myself while my husband learned from our first date that I could do it in multiple languages…G
With the introduction of Bluetooth (my favorite tech toy I used before others)-I did note that people were always staring at me with all kinds of expressions as they could see no cord or earbud – comical really! But these days – its so normal to see EVERYONE talking to themselves do to cel phone Bluetooth!
So – for all of you out there that talk to yourselves-pat yourself on the back-your ahead of the curve and very BRIGHT AND CREATIVE!
Julie on 08 Feb 2010 at 7:59 pm #
I always talk to myself.I usually tell mt cell phone to shut up when it starts to ring while out. I don’t bother with makeup when I go out. I do try to dress well when I go out.
Sandy on 08 Feb 2010 at 8:30 pm #
I talk to myself quite frequently, ask and answer queations, and carry on conversations with no one exept myself. That is how I somehow vent my anger. Don’t always dress to the T’s but I have on something that hopefully matches.
Tanya Campbell on 09 Feb 2010 at 9:17 am #
I have to say that I talk to myself all the time, people tend to notice, especially when I ask myself if I need maple syrup in the middle of the grocery store. I really don’t mind as I am sure I am not the only one. I have also gotten better at getting dressed when I go out. When my children were younger and owuld honestly not notice my attire, but now if I look slouchy I feel yucky so I make then effort now. Make-up is a bonus if I remember.
Laura Bissmeyer on 09 Feb 2010 at 2:07 pm #
Talking to myself is so common people who know me have stopped answering me when I ask them anything because they think I’m talking to myself.
I make sure I don’t look too bad after getting several e-mails from friends that show pepoleatwalmart.com, some of these people just don’t have mirrors. lol
Suzie Sims on 09 Feb 2010 at 2:11 pm #
I talk to myself all the time as well…more so now that I’m in my 40’s than when I was younger. I’m a paralegal in a law firm and its stressful and I find that everyone in my office talks to themselves so I don’t feel so bad
I never used to leave the house without my makeup on and my hair done but again, as I’ve gotten older, that isn’t as important to me. I can run to the store or Walmart in sweats and a t-shirt or sweatshirt, pull my hair in a pony tail and it doesn’t bother me. I have never gone to work without my hair done and makeup on though.
have a great day
E.R. on 10 Feb 2010 at 12:06 am #
I talk to myself. In fact, the best place to talk to oneself is at the bathroom, when you are taking a shower/bath and you can belt it out. Yes, either singing or talking it is still a great place to talk to oneself. Though if I have a home office, I would also talk there. And of course the bedroom is a great place to talk to oneself.
As for in the car, talk away. I mean, I listen to the radio and respond to it if it got to me. And if I see a driver that did an action that I disapprove then I either stew mentally and/or said it out loud.
I like “acting” out plays by saying it out loud. Thankfully I don’t do it where other people are. It is sorta like my own secret that I don’t want to share.
And it is hard to speak out loud when there are so many people at home, so talking to oneself is let loose when I know they won’t hear me talk out loud.
And no, I’m not the only one in my house who talks out loud. There are gamers at my home who gets annoyed at the players online. And when they express their annoyance, they are loud.
Hear, hear to us!
Paula on 10 Feb 2010 at 12:30 am #
I talk to myself a lot, especially if I am doing a task or trying to work out a problem. I am one who learns best by seeing, hearing and doing. Talking to myself takes care of the hearing part. I talk to myself a lot in the shower. My best problem-solving has taken place in the shower in conversations with myself.
Probably one of my biggest idiosyncrasys is straightening things up/out, even in stores. I move things so they line up and I turn things so the labels all face the same way. I turn hangers around so they all face the same side. I go nuts when a picture is crooked. I also tuck in labels of people’s shirts if they stick out.
And yes, I do go out looking like a bag lady sometimes, praying that I don’t see anyone I know. It seems, though, whenever I do I run into someone I haven’t seen in a while. They must think I have been ill to look so bad. Since I am older it just doesn’t seem to matter as much as it did when I was under 40. We all have our moments.
sue hieber on 10 Feb 2010 at 3:52 pm #
i only talk to myself when i want intelligent conversation, my biggest crazy thing i do is put mayo on my jello, and even when im dressed to kill, im so ugly i actually could. lol so i guess that qualifies as less than presentable.
Cathi O on 13 Feb 2010 at 9:49 am #
I talk to myself constantly… and even answer myself. I haven’t been caught yet!
I am usually very presentable when in public, creating great outfits from things that might not normally go together. I accessorize to the max and am known for my coordination. The exception would be when I am sick or doing something unpleasant like moving.
aimeef on 13 Feb 2010 at 5:59 pm #
i try to go out looking presentable because the second I don’t, someone I know sees me, and ffor whatever reason, i can’t stand that!
TIFFY on 14 Feb 2010 at 8:06 am #
I TALK TO MYSELF ALL THE TIME. MY MOM USUALLY NOTICES AND LOOK AT ME FUNNY SOMETIMES. THEN
BEFORE I KNEW IT, SHE’S TALKING TO HERSELF, AND I LOOK AT HER THE SAME WAY, SHE LOOK AT ME. I WAS
DRESSED EXACTLY ALIKE, TO THIS GUY AT MY HIGH SCHOOL. THE WORST PART ABOUT IT, THE GUY WAS VERY
GAY, AND THE WHOLE LUNCH PERIOD NOTICED IT AND TOLD ME ABOUT IT. I WAS SO EMBARASS, THAT I
WANTED TO SCREAM, THEN RUN ALL THE WAY HOME.