I found myself thinking about the little quirks that come with living with OCD, and how they weave into the fabric of daily life. It’s funny, in a way—these rituals can feel so normal to me, yet I know they might seem a bit out there to someone else.
For example, I have this habit of needing to check that my door is locked multiple times before I leave the house. It’s not just a casual glance; I’ll turn the lock, pull the handle a couple of times, and sometimes even double-check with my phone to make sure I didn’t miss it the first time. I know it’s probably excessive, but there’s this uneasy feeling that creeps in if I don’t do it.
Another quirk is my obsession with symmetry. When I’m working at my desk, I can’t concentrate unless everything is perfectly aligned. My notebooks need to be stacked just so, and my pens have to be lined up in a specific order. It can be a bit of a struggle when I’m in a rush, but I’ve found that taking just a moment to arrange things helps me feel more centered.
Even small tasks like washing my hands can become a ritual. I’ll wash them, then rinse, and then I have to dry my hands in a certain way, making sure I don’t miss a spot. I’ve noticed that when I skip these little routines, I often feel more anxious throughout the day.
But here’s the thing—I’ve learned to embrace these quirks as a part of who I am. They may seem strange, but they also provide a structure that helps me navigate the chaos of life. And honestly, it’s kind of comforting to have these habits that ground me.
I’d love to hear from others—do you have any quirks or routines that help you get through your day? It’s always nice to know I’m not alone in this!