Don't want to get caught.

[Wish Upon A Wish]

Okay, I started tertiary study a couple of weeks ago, and now drive myself out there. It's about a 35min drive.

After a few days, and finally getting used to driving myself, I've started singing out loud, a lot, and loudly, and sometimes even talk out loud to a character who isn't there (and no, I don't delude myself into thinking they're there. I know they're not). I'm kind of scared that if I drive someone somewhere, and we don't talk, I may end up singing out loud or something....

Also, a couple of times since I've started speaking in the car, I've also unintentionally spoken out loud at home. Luckily in my room, but I think sometime soon I may talk out loud while someone's walking past, and they hear and ask who I'm talking to. Yes, my family knows I have this condition (though my sister's probably forgotten. When I told her, she said something along the lines of "oh, okay" then kept on telling me about whatever it was she was on about.) but it would still be quite awkward. I don't mind too much if they hear a little bit, actually, I just don't want them to acknowledge it, and just act like they heard nothing. That would be best for everyone. Well, best for me anyway.

But if I start talking out loud in my room more often, what if I start in public?

[John K]

First off, you want to sing so do so. Not everyone will like your singing, but why should they have to? Do you like everyone's singing? Of course not. Does that mean nobody should sing unless you like it? Of course not. The same is true for you. People might poke fun at you, but even then they are poking fun at the perceived absurdity of your behavior not the core of your being.

If you are speaking to someone who isn't there, call it what it is: you are just contemplating ideas out loud. A lot of writers, public speakers, actors, etc. do it all the time. Sometimes it is just easier to have an idea sink in when you say it out loud. If anyone asks, that is what you are doing (and really, that is what you are doing).

You're not ill, you're thinking.

[Wish Upon A Wish]

@Lucy- I usually do what you do. That's why I was surprised when I started talking out loud.

@M Hunter- I guess that makes sense, but a lot of people won't think of that... mostly it's be odd looks, I guess

@Laine-That's a pretty good idea. I just take a moment to realise, sometimes, that I'm actually talking out loud. If I'm DDing in public, I guess I could just take my phone out and mindlessly mouth words (if it's noisy, like in town- well, if it sill existed), then start talking just whenever I do.

[Lucy]

I don't really say things out loud. Well, it's happened a few times, but it tends to be an extremely quiet whisper or just mouthing the words. I do change facial expression, however, and people have noticed that a few times.

Sometimes if my character is crying, I might occasionally make a small sobbing sound as well, for example

[taffle]

I talk to myself a lot when I'm at home, alone in my room. I also feel the urge to talk to myself in public, especially when I need to let my feelings out quickly. But I also don't want to embarrass myself in front of others. So, what I do is I pick up my cell phone and pretend to dial a number. Then, I talk to myself. It works and no one suspected that I was talking to myself.

Sometimes, when I drive long distances, it can be boring and I was afraid of dozing off at the wheel. So I talk to myself but made sure my volume is not too loud.