Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Confessions

Yesterday, sitting at a picnic table in Sag Harbor, supping on chowder and watching boats bob the way boats do, a few friends and I wandered into the most compelling conversation. What, one friend asked, do you compulsively do but rarely admit to?

We started out rather lamely. Yes, it's true, I can't see a clock that says 11:11 without rushing some wish, but it got better and better. There was the, uhm, dirty sock sniffer, and then another who shudders in delight whenever she finds herself inside a public restroom. I confessed that I can spend long hours trolling Weight Watchers message boards (yes, I really am that interested in the Fiber count of Kavli) and that there are times when I can think of nothing more relaxing.

Anyway, it got me going, and now I want to hear everyone's private compulsions (or public! Who cares--I'm hungry for confessions!). What is it, dear reader, that you compulsively do but rarely admit to?

Anonymous replies are welcome.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I, too, read Weight Watchers message boards.

Anonymous said...

Really? Me too. I also post anonymously on my own blog when I see that no one's ponying up the confessions.

Townes Elwood Keeth said...

Porn? Just kidding. Or am I? =)

No seriously. I am.

Anonymous said...

I put my pajamas on right away every day when I get home no matter what time it is...unless someone is coming over for dinner.

Anonymous said...

For the past 30 years or so on a daily basis I've compulsively hummed "Groovy Kind of Love" -- a song I never really liked.

Anonymous said...

i go to www.streetsy.com and www.writtenonthecity.com and look at photos of self-expression around the world :)

Anonymous said...

whenever I get extremely excited about something and no one else is around, I flail my hands about at the wrists a bit. when other people are around, I have to keep it down to a mild fast clap.

Anonymous said...

I read my ex's blog.

Joe Hefner said...

I compulsively check my zipper to ensure proper vertical alignment...

Anonymous said...

I pat my jeans pocket to feel for my keys, always chase down a fatty meal with a high-fiber snack, and google everyone I know.

Anonymous said...

compulsive? who me?

i open the fridge ten times a day hoping some magic fairy deposited donuts or cake in there.

i look in people's medicine cabinets when using their bathroom.

i stand in front of the mirror every night, looking for any silver hairs to pluck out from my dark mane.

i scour the bios at the back of "the best american poetry/fiction" and then grumble with jealousy when someone is much younger than me.

im sure there's more.that's just off the top of my head. eek. does this make me a total loser?

Anonymous said...

If I'm in an empty street or hallway and there's only one other person I'll whistle something to the beat of their footsteps to see if they notice. Don't know if this is compulsive or just really creepy.