I recently had long and involved personal conversations with the most decent, honest fellow you could ever meet. Yes, I admit it, I've been talking to myself again.
Almost everyone does this from time to time but few will admit it. And when caught in the act, they feel embarrassed and try to make silly excuses as though it's some kind of mental failing or dysfunction.
But I would say no worries, go ahead and yack away. Any communication is better than none and if you want to find somebody safe, friendly and familiar to talk to, well just look in the mirror.
Of course some places are not so safe in which to hold audible conversation with yourself such as in a courthouse, church or while going through TSA.
And if you just can't help yourself from breaking the silence and speaking your piece, well you could always hold a cell phone in your hand. It makes for a good prop.
However, these conversations are not really with ourselves. They are directed at other sources, entities we have personally created, you know, those voices in your head that are always active.
They are other versions of yourself, you might say. There's the meek and mild you, the critical you, the angry you, the perfect you and one for every emotion you can imagine.
Imagine is the key word here . You could say they are imaginary personalities or self-created entities, real only to you. But they help you in thinking, planning, setting things up for the future and, of course, they keep you entertained.
Speaking of which, I have a couple of guys who know the lyrics and melodies of dozens and dozens of songs.
They are right there when I need them to cheer me up and get me in a good mood. And a couple of other thoughtful fellows give me insights, ideas, inspirations and occasionally, areas to explore and write about.
One plus factor about this phenomena in social settings is when they talk to you, only you can hear them. It appears they don't have any first amendment rights!
There is a possible exception to this however when it comes to the angry you. On rare occasions when something unexpected happens, such as you accidently whack your thumb with a hammer, that's when your angry version of self bursts out with a few choice obscenities. And he does so audibly, But his words spring from your vocal cords and your mouth.
Has any such mishap ever occurred to you, dear reader? Did you have trouble explaining to people that it was not really you?
You're not always talking out loud in your discussions with these characters of course. Your words do not really need to be audible.
For example just now you could be picturing in your mind's eye a beautiful showroom full of bright, shiny, new, expensive cars. You tell the salesman "I'll take the red one".
Or let's say you're doing homework, working out a sales pitch or mentaly practicing some presentation you have to deliver tomorrow. Well these helpers of yours are gathered all around you with hints, suggestions and great ideas.
It's like what they say about schizophrenics: you're never alone.
But at least (hopefully) you know that they are your personal helpmates, your creations and under your control. It's only when they become too real and too powerful and begin to order you around that you are really in trouble.
So what do you think of all this, dear reader? Do you too have a cast of characters all your own at your beck and call to help make your life easy?
Do you have a good handle on all of them? Do they sing you to sleep at night and wake you up in the bright daylight with a cheerful "Good Morning"?
Well don't you know, it's always nice to have someone to talk to?
Google danhughoconnor@gmail.com to view more articles.
