“You’re doing it again,” my brother tells me.

“Doing what?” I ask.

“Talking to yourself.”

It’s true. I do talk to myself. I don’t speak out loud, in a clear voice, but in a whisper that is just audible enough for people to think I’m possessed. I mumble incessantly; walking down a hall, in my room, in my car, on the street, at the breakfast table (I try to keep tabs on it at social gatherings though). Even now, as I write, my lips move. Most of the time, I don’t even notice that I’m doing it. I go along with my conversation until someone tells me I am being creepy.

I am not the only one who partakes in this eerie habit, though. My grandmother confesses to talking to herself as well. Perhaps we are crazy. Perhaps it is a sign of superior intelligence (I like that one!). Perhaps we are organizing our thoughts. Perhaps we are remembering important things. Or maybe we just make for good conversation.

After all, I have a lot in common with myself. We watch the same movies, have similar hobbies and do the same job. We went to the same school, have the same friends, and totally relate on family problems. We also share the same views on religion, politics, and fashion. When I talk to myself, I always get the answer I want. I don’t have to worry about conflicting ideals because I (almost) always agree with me.

Whatever reason we choose, I doubt us self-spoken individuals will cease our conversations anytime soon. It is a force of habit, and one with many benefits. Thinking out loud, remembering things, and consulting expert advice only name a few. There is no reason to change, even if some people question our sanity. Those who doubt the value of being self-spoken should remember these wise words: “Talking to yourself is all right. It’s when you answer yourself you’re crazy.”

Bethany Sartain lives in Warrior. She is a graduate of Hayden High School and attends Wallace State.