Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How can I tell if I have an internal monologue?

232 replies

Barrol · 23/07/2024 18:21

I learned recently from my teen that ~ 30 to 50% of people don't have an “inner voice.”

I’m sure I do. As I type I hear my voice in my head. But am I just assuming I can? I’m confused. So maybe I am in the minority of people who don’t have an inner monologue. When I read I say it a loud in my head I think.

Please can anyone familiar with this topic elaborate.

OP posts:
Original poster
Barrol · 23/07/2024 18:27

LibertyDuck · 23/07/2024 18:25

Do you narrate things to yourself in your head, in the same way you would chat to someone out loud? For example "Oh no, there's the bus coming. It's early. Going to have to run to make it!". Or "Must remember to put the bins out later".
My internal monologue is extremely dull, but it's there!

Yes! What do others do?

OP posts:
Leftphalange100 · 23/07/2024 18:26

This fact always amazes me! I have an inner monologue, very much present. I can't imagine what it would be like not to have one!

LibertyDuck · 23/07/2024 18:25

Do you narrate things to yourself in your head, in the same way you would chat to someone out loud? For example "Oh no, there's the bus coming. It's early. Going to have to run to make it!". Or "Must remember to put the bins out later".
My internal monologue is extremely dull, but it's there!

Zanatdy · 23/07/2024 18:24

i read that in my head and I’m also reading this in my head as a I type so I’m an inner voice person. How odd people type and don’t speak it in their head, well odd to me, not odd in general

CatsLikeBoxes · 23/07/2024 18:23

When you're not reading / writing / talking, do you have an inner conversation going on?

FuzzyStripes · 23/07/2024 18:23

The voices in my head are always holding conversations. I’m not schizophrenic and from chatting to others, it’s perfectly normal to have constant and endless conversations going on.

MBappse · 23/07/2024 18:22

Why don't you ask yourself.
Without moving your lips.