Repeating Last Word of Sentence

[Anonymous]

My MIL has had the annoying habit of repeating the last word of every single sentence someone says. If it’s an obvious sentence sometimes she will just say the last word with you. It drives me absolutely mad but I’ve never said anything. She moved in with us over the summer and it’s making me crazier than ever. She is very passive and it increases when she notices I’m annoyed by her so I assumed it was some tic or anxiety. Just decided to Google it and the internet says it could be a sign of Parkinson’s.

Do I finally bring it up to her? I haven’t before because I doubt there is anything to be done about it but now I wonder if I should make sure she aware if it could be a medical symptom?

Any hints on how to better mentally handle it would also be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

NO, don't bring it up! This is a really weird habit. I've noticed some women mouthing the words that their children are saying. Totally odd.

Anyway, no, there's nothing you can possibly say or do that will not add to the suffering in this world. Just let it go.

[Anonymous]

Has she always done this or is it new?

[Anonymous]

Let your spouse deal with it.

[Anonymous]

I'd try to let it go. I doubt she'll be able to stop it even if she tried. And honestly, buckle up because this is only the tip of the iceberg when you're living with an older adult. She's going to get waaaaaaaay more annoying. Think about what supports you can put in place so that you and she can get along long-term.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NO, don't bring it up! This is a really weird habit. I've noticed some women mouthing the words that their children are saying. Totally odd.

Anyway, no, there's nothing you can possibly say or do that will not add to the suffering in this world. Just let it go.

This is so weird! I had lunch with a friend today and she was mouthing what i was saying as i was saying it. It was kind of amazing, TBH, but also distracting. What is this???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NO, don't bring it up! This is a really weird habit. I've noticed some women mouthing the words that their children are saying. Totally odd.

Anyway, no, there's nothing you can possibly say or do that will not add to the suffering in this world. Just let it go.

This is so weird! I had lunch with a friend today and she was mouthing what i was saying as i was saying it. It was kind of amazing, TBH, but also distracting. What is this???

I don't know what it is but it's totally weird. Sorry, there is no better word for it.

[Anonymous]

I have met any different people who anticipate the last word of a sentence I'm saying and then they either say it with me or repeat the word a split second after I do, essentially confirming their prediction. I really think it's in the range of normal habits that some people have and not a sign of disorder.

OP, you at the very least recognize that you bring anxiety to your MIL. Please stop googling perceived issues with her behavior. You're only making things worse than they are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has she always done this or is it new?

Yes she has always done it. I've never noticed as much because we didn't see her everyday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have met any different people who anticipate the last word of a sentence I'm saying and then they either say it with me or repeat the word a split second after I do, essentially confirming their prediction. I really think it's in the range of normal habits that some people have and not a sign of disorder.

OP, you at the very least recognize that you bring anxiety to your MIL. Please stop googling perceived issues with her behavior. You're only making things worse than they are.

I'm a logical person and seeing it in writing (thinking I would confirm its a tic caused by anxiety) I thought would allow me to swallow it more. I feel like actively seeking ways to deal with something that is driving me batty will make things better. To each their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NO, don't bring it up! This is a really weird habit. I've noticed some women mouthing the words that their children are saying. Totally odd.

Anyway, no, there's nothing you can possibly say or do that will not add to the suffering in this world. Just let it go.

Thank you for this. I think I'll make "there is nothing I can do about this that will not add to the suffering in this world" to my mantra list. I know I need to turn it over. This helps.

[Anonymous]

You need to accept this behavior as part of her and just move on.

[Anonymous]

Omg my MIL does the exact same thing and it drives me absolutely insane. I couldn’t imagine living w her for so many reasons but this one is especially annoying. My sympathies.

[Anonymous]

It’s called echolalia. Sometimes it is a way to mitigate stress or anxiety. It also can be a sign of a mental illness or dementia. When was the last time she saw her primary care doctor?

[Anonymous]

I have a long time friend who does this often but more in unison with me, like she knows what’s coming so she joins in for the last word or two. A bit annoying but I see it as a nervous tic. I don’t even think she is aware she does it. If I told her about it, she’d be self-conscious and probably not talk as freely.