A Redditor Told Their Mom That They Don't Have An Internal Monologue And She Freaked Out

If you're reading this with the voice inside your head or already imagining what this post will be about, then you might relate to most people—those who have the ability to have inner monologues, unlike the Redditor who originally posted.

You might wonder if it's really possible to have no voices inside your head, for that incessant narration to pipe down before it lulls you into a daydream.

A Redditor who posted in the subreddit 'NoStupidQuestions' recalled how her mother was shocked to hear that the original poster (OP) didn't have an inner monologue and then proceeded to ask if having one is common.

It turns out it is, and many couldn't imagine how their minds would work if they didn't have one. Although this is the majority, many also shared experiences that are very similar to OP's.

It's called aphantasia. It is the inability to visualize or imagine imagery.

Redditors who experienced it shared metaphors and explained the extent of their abilities. They also confessed that it's not easy to understand people who have the ability to do the opposite.

One side is jealous of the peace and quiet they experience, while the other is envious of the ability to communicate properly, as they can easily string thoughts together in their heads. One thing is for sure: both sides are valid.

The Original Question and Post

Vadermaulkylo Vadermaulkylo

At First, People Were Confused That There Might Be a Lack of Narration in OP's Mind

cdhc

They Were Conflicted About How It Actually Works

CatOnCloud9

There Were Redditors That Provided Further Explanation

Common_Lizard

They Also Specified That It's Something Called Aphantasia

NavyAnchor03

One of the Downsides of Having No Inner Monologue Is the Effort to Communicate Your Thoughts Properly

BobbitWormJoe

An Example of the Comment Above from the Same Redditor

BobbitWormJoe

Never Being Nervous About Who Would Play Your Favorite Book Character in a Movie Is Pretty Cool

mataeka

Aphantasia Exceeds More Than Not Having an Inner Monologue

searek

It Can Differ Per Person Who Has It Which Senses Are Most Affected

MK23TECHNO

A Continuation of the Comment Above

MK23TECHNO

If Daydreaming Seems Like a Superpower, Then There'd Be a League of It

eedodeedo007

A Continuation of the Comment Above

eedodeedo007

Dreams Do Exist for People Who Have Aphantasia; It's Just a Bit Different from What People Are Used To

eedodeedo007

Another Metaphor of How It Feels to Have Aphantasia

eedodeedo007

A Continuation of the Metaphor

eedodeedo007

The Other Side of the Coin

Ingepinge

This Is a Case That Is Hard to Solve

sloonark

If a Person Has Aphantasia, It Doesn't Mean That They Can't Get Involved in Creative Activities

bsweddingthrowaway

A Continuation of the Comment Above, Explaining the Struggle of Visualizing

bsweddingthrowaway

The Redditor from This Comment Can Still Do Various Jobs, but with Limitations to Imagining

bsweddingthrowaway

On the Other Hand, the Ability to Have Quietness Is What People with Noisy Inner Monologues Would Consider a Superpower

Shanakitty

A Personal Podcast with No Pause Button

Haloosinayeshun

Would It Still Be Considered Inner Monologue If It's Out Loud?

haventsleptforyears

Many Have Shared Their Answers, but the Majority Were People Who Are the Opposite of OP

PlaysWithPaint

Sometimes There Isn't Just One Narrator; They're a Whole Group Rotating in Shifts

aybaer

A Plain and Simple Answer from One of the Redditors

Unknown

Unfortunately, There Are Some Friends Who Would Talk to You Non-Stop Even If You Want a Little Break

espressnooo

This Is Probably OP's Mom's Thought When She Found Out About OP's Non-Existent Inner Monologue

bastets_yarn

Whether it's a whole crowd of voices in your head that exist or nothingness, there's always a positive point on each side. One might think that what they have is a curse, while the other would consider it a superpower.

It would do wonders for people to empathize with each other when they can't understand what someone is experiencing. Who knows, you might learn more beyond the shock.

Do you have an inner monologue, or are you like OP? Share with us in the comments.