I was just reading an article about Howie Mandel and his obsessive-compulsive disorder, which he has been amazingly candid about, considering his fame and wealth.
But I see a piece of me in him! I'm not quite at his level but it's bothersome nonetheless. The trigger was after I read an article by Chuck Gerba about fifteen years ago (caution: do not read if you even have a remote fear of germs). I was horrified, and after that, I started becoming . . . umm . . . obsessive, if not compulsive. About touching things in public places. About shaking people's hands. Even today, if I go out, a little devil sits on my shoulder and keeps track of everything I've touched. The only "safe" place is my house.
Hmm . . . it goes. Push the elevator button with your keys. Use your coat sleeve to open that door. You shook that guy's hand -- you must wash as soon as possible. Public toilets are the worst. If they actually have paper towels, make sure one's below the slot so you don't have to pull the handle after you've washed your hands. Why does the door open inwards? That means that even though I've washed my hands now I have to pull the handle. Why do they even have a door?
I credit this minor obsession for my not having been sick for years, but it's still extremely annoying. And the most annoying thing is I can't do a damn thing about it. That little devil starts up the moment I close the door to my house.
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