Nasty Habits of the Unconscious Mind: Things People Do Without Thinking

It is amazing how many absolutely nasty habits people have. Sadly, most of them aren’t even aware of what they are doing. For instance, I was in a meeting today when my colleague (someone whom I hold in high regard), did something I find rather nasty. She repeatedly licked the tip of her before separating and issuing handouts. Now, firstly there was the transfer of bodily fluids (she has a cold) to the paper. But here’s something else to consider. Where has that paper been? Whatever that paper has been in contact with is now in her mouth. There is a reason experts say the human mouth is filthier than the mouth of a dog.

Other nasty observations:

• I have a co-worker (again someone I’m quite fond
of) who has a habit of using paperclips to remove
ear wax. It doesn’t matter whether it’s his
paper clip or yours. I’ve only observed him
doing this while working through a problem with
someone. I’m not certain which is worse,
watching him actually picking his ear or watching
him roll the wax between his fingers and finally
releasing it onto the floor.
• Several days ago, I notice a gentleman looking
intently at the top of his shoe. He bent forward
and used his hand to try and brush away the
dirt. When that didn’t work, he licked his thumb
and began to rub at the spot on his shoe (again
the licking). Without thinking, this fellow put
dirt from the shoe into his mouth. Need I say
more? Again this took place during a meeting, so
it’s easy to assume his mind was somewhere else.
• I had a manager (I despised him), who kept a pair
of nail clippers in his pocket. During staff
meetings, he’d retrieve these clippers and snip
away. He was mindful enough to sweep the
clipping that fell on his pants to the floor.
But the clippings that were on the table in front
of me and others, we left where they landed.
• Picking pimples absolutely does not belong in
public. If I had a dime for every time I saw
someone squeezing their face, I’d be rich. The
same hand they just used to smear away puss (and
usually a little blood), is the same hand they
offer to shake with.
• I have another colleague who has a habit of
reaching inside his shirt and scratching his
underarms. This happens more frequently when
he’s tired or concentrating on a problem. The
sound of his scratching can get pretty loud.
Without a thought, he’ll then scratch his head,
rub his face or shake hands while greeting a
customer.

I wish I could say that these examples come from random sightings while I was out and about. Every one of these examples occurred at work, with a highly regarded professionals. My point is simply that people, all people (self included) do odd things repeatedly without thinking. Doesn’t make them unusual – just nasty.