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The Science Behind Talking To Yourself : 1A Have you ever gotten into an impassioned argument in the shower with a sparring partner who... wasn't actually there?

How about replaying a dinner party conversation from weeks ago but this time, you know exactly what to say and you're saying it... to yourself?

Whether the dialogue is in our heads or said aloud, many of us talk to ourselves, even if we don't realize it. But oftentimes the habit is seen as strange — especially if there are others around.

We get into why so many of us talk to ourselves, and what the benefits of self-talk.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

1A

The Science Behind Talking To Yourself

The Science Behind Talking To Yourself

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A visitor to the Art Gallery of New South Wales looks at paintings by Camille Pissarro in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images) Ian Waldie/Getty Images hide caption

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Ian Waldie/Getty Images

A visitor to the Art Gallery of New South Wales looks at paintings by Camille Pissarro in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

Ian Waldie/Getty Images

Have you ever gotten into an impassioned argument in the shower with a sparring partner who... wasn't actually there?

How about replaying a dinner party conversation from weeks ago but this time, you know exactly what to say and you're saying it... to yourself?

Whether the dialogue is in our heads or said aloud, many of us talk to ourselves, even if we don't realize it. But oftentimes the habit is seen as strange — especially if there are others around.

Why do so many of us talk to ourselves? What are the benefits of self-talk — and when should you be concerned about it?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.