Do I have synesthesia?!
Question: Do I have synesthesia?
Involuntary: synesthetes do not actively think about their perceptions; they just happen.
Projected: rather than experiencing something in the "mind's eye," as might happen when you are asked to imagine a color, a synesthete often actually sees a color projected outside of the body.
Durable and generic: the perception must be the same every time; for example, if you taste chocolate when you hear Beethoven's Violin Concerto, you must always taste chocolate when you hear it; also, the perception must be generic -- that is, you may see colors or lines or shapes in response to a certain smell, but you would not see something complex such as a room with people and furniture and pictures on the wall.
Memorable: often, the secondary synesthetic perception is remembered better than the primary perception; for example, a synesthete who always associates the color purple with the name "Laura" will often remember that a woman's name is purple rather than actually remembering "Laura."
Emotional: the perceptions may cause emotional reactions such as pleasurable feelings.
So here's what I have:
Involuntary: Yup. I just happens. It fluctuates in intensity, however.
Projected: But I don't "see" things outside of my mind's eye, one thing synesthetes often report, but I definitely "see" it inside me, often mixing with a different sense.
Durable and generic: It can change over time, but usually that happens very slowly. For example, the number 245 can be a calm number with a secret, but in a couple weeks, it can be a healing scar. I know, random.
Memorable: Definitely.
Emotional: Of course!
It seems like I have the main characteristics of synesthesia, but to a lesser degree. What do you think?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Yes, it sounds like you have synesthesia. The criterion about projection is outdated. Researchers now understand that there are two types of synesthesia: projected and associated. People with projected synesthesia see colors in their field of vision, while people with associated synesthesia see colors in their mind's eye. They are both equally valid. Associated synesthesia is actually much more common. The important thing is that it's involuntary and consistent.
I have synesthesia
took alot of shrooms acid perhaps my crazed friend is like that and he tripped plenty