A CREATURE OF HABIT

After my shower this morning, I cut my toenails. And as I was doing this, I became aware of how much I (and, I suspect, you readers) am a creature of habit.

Three examples should suffice. First, when I cut my toenails, I always start with the right foot, and go from second toe to little toe, leaving the big toe until last. Then I do the same with my left foot.

Secondly, when I shave, I always start with my left cheek, from the sideburn down, followed by my right cheek, then the chin and neck, and finally the moustache area.

Thirdly, when I iron a shirt, it is always in the order collar, stock, cuffs and front buttons, sleeves, the shirt itself and then the collar once more.

All three examples are not just "well, I usually do it like that", but "I always do it like that, every single time". I did think it was because that was how my mother taught me to do it when I was little. But then I remembered that she doesn't shave, so I realised it must have something to do with me.

Walter Blotscher