Hey there, everyone. Today, we're going to have a little look at something from transactional

analysis called ego states. The basic idea is that we can break our personality down into three

different states. Parent, adult, and child. And I don't know about you, but I can be all three, depending on who I'm

with. I think most people are like that, which is why you can feel a bit weird when different

friendship groups start mixing. You know the odd feeling when your work, friends, meet your

old schoolmates and suddenly you don't know how to be? people can come across like they've got multiple personalities,

but it's totally normal. It's a bit like having a mental wardrobe full of different outfits,

except these outfits are ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.

So, let's open the wardrobe. First up, we've got the parent ego state. This is like

your internal mum or dad voice, the stuff you've absorbed from authority figures growing up.

Sometimes it's comforting and supportive, like, don't forget your coat, love.

Other times it's more critical.

You're not seriously going out looking like that, are you?

Either way, it's the voice that's in your head that can guide you or guilt trip you.

Next, there's the child ego state. This is where all your early emotions and

memories hang out. Ever found yourself feeling playful, giggly, sulky, or even thrown a bit of a tantrum?

That is your child ego showing up. And I noticed this at a 20-year school reunion once.

I was 36, it was a while ago.

But being back with those people again made me feel 16.

Like I'd been zapped back in time just by walking through the door.

Our brains are funny like that.

They go, oh yeah.

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