An Ode to Your Best Kitchen Companion: Your Inner Dialogue

I can’t possibly be the only person who talks to myself while cooking. Right? 

When I’m alone in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, seasoning, and tasting, I’m in the best company. My little one-sided conversations are steeped in reflection, humor, and more often than not, self-compassion.

If you’re an OG Dinner for One follower and you’ve listened to a few podcast episodes, you’re well aware that I narrate my every move. Things like, “Okay, now we add the garlic, but not too much.” when I need to be precise, or when I scold myself with a, “Urghhh Sutanya! What are you doing?” when I’m not being very precise, and almost always a justifying a little indulgence with a little, “Just a touch more olive oil, why not?”. The lighthearted commentary came naturally, first as a way to fill the void and then, eventually, as an essential part of my solo adventures in the kitchen. A lifeline of sorts. 

Those conversations with myself helped me stay grounded. It’s like when I’d say something along the lines of, “Now we need to be patient, and let those flavors get comfortable with each other.” I wasn’t only talking about food, it was also, in some ways, a reminder to slow down and let things happen at their natural pace. When I hesitate, wondering if I should add more salt or spice, my inner voice nudges me to trust my instincts rather than second-guessing every decision.

Cooking solo is often painted as lonely, but for me, it’s anything but. When I’m alone in the kitchen, I talk through worries, dreams, and even self-doubts, all while stirring and slicing. The rhythm of cooking gives me a chance to untangle my thoughts and sometimes find clarity. 

From the outside looking in, it may seem like I’ve lost a few marbles and have become quite antisocial, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I just enjoy my own company, and I find it quite powerful. It’s one of the many ways I listen to my needs, cravings, and moods. It’s a practice of self-acceptance that breaks down the pressure to always perform or impress others. When the world feels noisy or overwhelming, these kitchen conversations ground me.

So if you ever catch yourself talking to yourself while you cook, please don’t stop. Embrace it. Those unfiltered moments of self-talk are a reminder that you are your own best company, just the way you are, and that sometimes, the richest conversations happen with yourself.

If all of that sounds a bit too hauty, you can also just use the quiet of your kitchen to work shop a new joke, or anecdote, you can’t wait to debut at the next party or apéro. I’ve done that. Works like a charm. Ha! :)

For a Cook, Craig Arnold