Speaking in tongues

Lately, I've been wondering what speaking in tongues really means. For some reason, in my family we aren't so open about talking about God. We are all Christians and we all go to church, but it's like if someone mentions something about God there is an awkward feeling. I know that isn't how it should be. I wish I was able to be more open about my religious questions. Not that I'm blaming my parents for my complex about speaking openly of God in the family setting. I'm getting off topic...
Okay, what I started out to say, was that I have gone to friends' churches before and there will be people speaking in a different language. When I was younger I was confused about what this was. I remember asking my mom and she said, "Oh, those people make it up." and my father (bless his heart) told me, "They're full of s****." This is what I've kind of thought about it since they told me that when I was younger. But since I'm older now, I needed more of a personal opinion. Two of my friends go to a huge church where they speak in tongues. Since I go to their church semi-often, the question has been even more prominent to me.
A couple nights ago, I was looking for an answer in my Bible. I read I Corinthians chapter 14, and it pretty much lays it all out for you. Paul said  many things about speaking in tongues that made a good opinion of it quite clear.
"He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself" (I Corinthians 14:4)
"Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is distinction in the notes?" (I Corinthians 14:6-7)
"...Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air." (I Corinthians 14:9)
"If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say 'Amen' to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?" (I Corinthians 14:16)
"So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?" (I Corinthians 14:23)
I Corinthians 14 says many other things about it, but those were the main verses that stuck out to me.
After reading these things, I was still slightly confused though, because I knew that speaking in tongues was a spiritual gift. So why would a spiritual gift be bad?

I addressed these questions to my small group at church last night, and my small group leader said, "OH! I have a paper about why our church doesn't condone speaking in tongues! Let me go get it!" So she read it to me and read some of the scripture from I Corinthians 14 again. But her paper from the church explained that they do not speak in tongues during services because speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that is meant to be private, not broadcasted to the whole church body. Speaking in tongues is meant to be a private, intense prayer between only you and God.

And now I have my own opinion. It's amazing, the things that you can ask God about in prayer, and then he will answer those questions so plainly and openly.