March 28, 2024

Does Being A Type-A Personality Make Me OCD?

All you non-Type-A’s don’t get to weigh in on the vote because you just don’t understand. There is an order to life that many people just don’t recognize, and it is up to those of us that do to make sure things are put in their proper place. To say that I am routine oriented is most definitely an understatement. I like to think of myself as an efficiency aficionado, which sounds much better. I’ll admit this can be good or bad, depending on the situation. I like to figure out the most efficient way for something to be done, and always do it that way unless I find out something even more efficient. Unfortunately, this extends to things that likely can be done differently without any real consequence.

Take for example the commute to work. Yes, we all like this to be as short as possible (I think) and typically we take the route that gives us the shortest time in the car. How many of you try every possible route multiple times both morning and evening and compare when you leave work to the traffic flow. Ok, some of you perhaps. How about do you take into consideration the lights or stop signs along with left turns into traffic you make that will impact the possible wait time and therefore increase your drive time? And how about the sheer number of turns you make and at what speed for consideration on wear and tear on your tires. Yep, I’m that bad. I know of one other person as bad as me in this way. He and I used to go to the same destination in two vehicles and, at the same time, take different routes as an unconscious test to see who arrived first. I know, straight to the loony bin for both of us.

If you think the driving habits are not that bad, let me continue. How about the old favorite of where you squeeze the tube of toothpaste. Yep, count me in for the bottom and work my way into the end. Is there any question as to whether it is the most efficient? My wonderful wife is of course non-caring and squeezes from wherever her hand happens to have grabbed the tube. Does this bother me…well, a little, but not to the point of frustration. I just “fix” it every time I notice. Yes, that is correct. If I notice the tube is not at its most efficient point, I make the adjustment squeeze to everything right again in the universe.

How about toilet paper? Not the fact of whether or not there is sufficient left on the roll, no, that is too easy. Not having any is a whole other topic. I am talking about the direction it rolls. I can see many of you think, uh, never noticed and who cares. Me, I care. I much prefer it to roll towards me so a casual flick brings out what you need. My wife, again, doesn’t give this a passing thought. If the roll is turning the “incorrect” direction, I will actually take the time to switch it. How bad is that?

Do you sort your bills in your wallet? This is, of course, assuming you have multiple bills of the varying denomination to be sorted. How about the order the credit cards are in so the ones you use the most are easiest to access? Do you go so far as to vary what cards and other contents of your wallet/purse contain based on what you will be doing that day? How about where things are located in the fridge? Best use of space and most readily available?

The list goes on, and each thing pretty insignificant on its own, but put together they are beginning to make me wonder. As part of my concern, I periodically buck my system and change something up just to make sure I can do it without feeling a panic attack. I don’t want to end up locking my doors 5 times and feeling compelled to step over cracks. It may work in the end for Jack Nicholson on the big screen, but I am pretty sure my family would strap me in the white jacket before then. I’m ok, you’re ok, we’re ok. Whew, back to work.