Stop Repeating Yourself!!

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I wonder if other folks feel the same way I do about all the times that people have told me that I am just repeating. The psychiatry and psychology professionals diss it with the word perseveration.

I know that I almost never actually repeat. I am changing my content by admittedly small but, I think, important bits. I feel that I am going through iterations of analysis or description as I work to make sense of whatever it is that I am talking about.

I can understand that the majority mind may not like this approach, despite its use in math and science, so I am prepared to keep it too myself when requested.

However, it really sticks in my craw to have people characterize it as simply repeating. It is an insult to imply that I am mindlessly talking without any direction. Perhaps I am progressing in jumps that are too small for their tastes, but it also may be true that they are jumping to conclusions by making unwarranted leaps.

Sorry for ranting a bit there but I really do wonder if this whole perseveration thing is a mistaken and hurtful description. Do other readers actually only repeat or is it more often just a detail oriented progression?

I find I sometimes do repeat in a kind of mumbling way but I do remember that it is standard practice to repeat something someone said, to ensure you've got it right anyway (Carl Rogers instigated this as a method in psychotherapy I believe).

For most of my life, thats all I heard, I always said the same thing over and over again in conversation, it drove my parents and friends crazy, heh.

I often tell stories repeatedly, or the jokes I know I will tell the same person over and over. They've learned jsut to cut me off though.

Repeat offender topic

It might help to paraphrase what the person has said, if the person seems a little unnerved. I have no wish to scare someone off with my words(What power!) so this is what I do.

Echolalia. My children say I sound like a teacher, repeating a lesson!

No need to worry. NTs seem to like instant replay.

Sometimes repeating yourself helps it sink in and make you feel better. Some people with OCD say something over and over to make themselves really know it, like "I'll pass all the exams."

Repeat myself? What ever do you mean, do you mean?

It's called "checking statements". Very common amongst us!

Ambuend,

Yes that is exactly what I mean. It is not "just repeating".

I will admit that I do sometimes repeat the same story "like a teacher" or tell the same joke to somebody several times. I don't feel offended if this type of repetition is pointed out.

Jane Myerding characterized herself as "not liking to move off her dime". I think this is the same thing. I stay on the subject but there are small or subtle differences that, at least to me, are important. They truly help me get my mind around something. I think it is iteration, not perseveration

You're right skeeter; there's a point behind it. Mine is to repeat myself until an NT's stare changes to recognition of comprehension. They don't have to answer or agree, just give a different response other than the silent stare.