Lately I’ve noticed that I am talking out loud when the only person in the room is me.  Not often, but not so seldom either.  And it’s never a conversation because no one is there to answer. 

For example, as I peer into the mirror—"Where did that new wrinkle come from?” Or as I stand in front of the refrigerator, “I was sure I had another avocado.”

It turns out that there are people who study talking to one’s self. Ethan Kross, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan and the author of “Chatter,” says that talking to yourself in midlife is an “understudied phenomenon” and not uncommon.

It seems that it’s not a problem unless you are muttering out loud to yourself when you are not alone. So far, I’m OK on that.

And here’s a suggestion: if you find yourself talking out loud to yourself in a public place.  Stick those little earbuds in and everyone will think you are having a conversation with someone.

Excellent advice.