AIBU - whispering colleague

[Thiswayorthatway]

We’re back in the office a few days a week. I have noticed that one of my colleagues provides a whispering commentary (to himself) on what he’s doing - “That’s that email sent”, “Now need to ring Mr X”, “Just need to nip to the loo”. Definitely just to himself, not sure he even knows he’s doing it, even when I passively aggressively have my hands clamped over my ears trying to concentrate. It’s only really me whom he’s disturbing.

It’s driving me mad and reminds me why I mostly prefer WFH.

AIBU - chill out, poor chap probably struggles WFH, just tell him politely to stop (how?!).

YANBU - make him take a vow of silence unless he has something useful to say.

It's pure attention-seeking.

Or, of course, perhaps it is the result of a health condition? Self-talk (google it) can be a sign of a mental health condition, but equally it is also a positive and normal thing that people do. If you don't like it then ear plugs are the way to go. Don't pick on others because they work differently to you. You no doubt have annoying qualities too, but perhaps would prefer people didn't point them out to you?

I do this, I’m absolutely terrible for it. I do make a huge effort to shut up though as I know that it’s infuriating 😬 I’m ND and also leg shake (stimming) which a PP mentioned. It’s tough going sometimes, perhaps he doesn’t even realise he’s doing it?

People do all sorts; it's usually not attention-seeking, but if anything the opposite: insufficient awareness that other people can hear/ see/ be bothered by them.

Also, we all differ as to what bothers us, and this may influence what we think will bother others. I am less easily disturbed than many people by conversational noise in my hearing when I am working; I am more easily disturbed than many people by someone getting into my personal space, or appearing to watch me. No doubt these differences sometimes lead to mutual annoyances in both directions!

I talk to myself out loud all the time and I do get embarrassed when I catch myself doing it in public but it helps me remember my thought process! I’d forget everything if I didn’t do it

It’s me I am that person who talks to themselves- but I’m in an office by myself so no one worry about

I have wondered this about myself since WFH! I something catch myself saying a note to myself out loud "Mustn't forget to reply to Tina" or "Should respond to that email about X". Luckily we are full time WFH though so no one knows or cares! I think you have to put up with it or move! Sorry OP.

Surely you have a staple gun in your office! Use it! Mind you, I suppose if he can no longer talk to himself he might start humming instead. Still - worth a try?

I agree with @JenniferBarkley sorry. The perils of public life. Or just say politely you are concentrating. Does everyone else sit in monastry style silence for you?

This post is kind. I like it. And I don’t believe it’s attention seeking, it’s more likely to be anxious habit.

YABU - I think it's quite a common habit and if you wouldn't raise an eyebrow about him talking to another colleague and having a conversation then I don't see how this is any different.

Talking to one's self is often a coping mechanism for people who feel overwhelmed etc.