I had another thread here about my little brother Don. (Little! He's 57.) But there's another aspect of him that confuses me and that I'd like your help on exploring.

Yes, he is/was an alcoholic (if I understand correctly that won't ever change). And yes he has stopped drinking and goes to AA almost every day. But he has another characteristic, or rather he has always had another characteristic that I've never, ever met up with in any other person. Maybe that's because he's my brother and I have greater exposure to him. Maybe not. I haven't seen such a person portrayed in the movies or on TV. Haven't read about such a person. Certainly haven't met up with one IRL. It's like this:

He can't stop talking. I'm sure you'll laugh and think of all the people, male and female, you know who just love to run their mouths all the time. Of course! There are LOTS of people who like to go on and on and on! Some of them even run for president!!

But they're none of them a patch on my brother Don. I used to think it was the alcohol, since he always at all times had at the very least a can of beer in his hand. But now he's stopped that, as you know, and doesn't drink any more. But it's incredible. It hasn't stopped his motormouth or even slowed it down. What does this mean?

If you're with Don in a group of people then other people get to talk, but if things slow down or there's a silence, then it's Don again jumping right in there to fill the gap. But if you're with Don just one on one, he'll never even stop for breath. Won't ask you what you think. Won't pause and think himself. Won't listen to the music of the spheres and stars for a minute or two. No. He fills every second of silence with his own mouthmusic as if any silence was fatal to him. He can't stand silence. He can't stand silence more than any other human being I've ever run across or read about.

What does this mean? What's wrong with him? I sat on the porch with him in the evenings and he just went on and on. It's nothing new, but it's still really strange. I couldn't get a word in edgewise. Not that I particularly wanted to. What he says is quite interesting, whatever he's talking about. And IRL I much prefer to listen than to talk. But he's just so compulsive about it! He talks as if being quiet was death, as if he'd cease to exist. In a sense, it's horrifying. "Talk or die" seems to be his motto. Know anyone like that?

Any comments much appreciated!