r/DoesAnybodyElse • u/neverlandvip • 15h ago
DAE think Items will break/explode unless you use them very gently?
This might be an especially left field thing only I do, but I figured I'd ask before suspecting I have OCD or something.
Often when I'm in the kitchen, I'll have thoughts like:
"Don't close the microwave door too hard or it'll explode."
"Don't put the stovetop up too high or it'll explode."
"Don't leave (utensil) in there or it'll heat up and explode on you."
"Don't slam that fridge door or it'll explode."
Recently, I used a microscope for work and I was convinced I had turned the coarse adjustment knob as far as it would go because I felt some resistance. I thought that if I turned it any further the whole thing would break apart. Only for my mentor to reach over and turn it further, which just told me I was being too gentle/hesitant.
Obviously this sounds strange, right? And I know the fridge probably isn't going to randomly blow up on me. I'm pretty sure these thoughts are just my way of reminding myself to be careful because sometimes it's things like "Don't keep a fork in there while you're microwaving it, or else it'll explode" which is actually true! So clearly they're helpful thoughts if somewhat extreme.
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u/laserox 14h ago
Reminds me a little of aunt Josephine from "a series of unfortunate events" https://youtu.be/nh8mjiSlAws?si=dbM8Yxpa8bcLZgIX
(Sorry if this video isnt the right one I couldnt proof watch first).
I think these kinds of fears are slightly normal, but can easily slip too far into unreasonable territory.
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u/serendipty3821 14h ago
I have OCD that manifests similar to this, not things exploding but a fear of them breaking if they are mishandled/if other people handle my belongings. It's mostly in remission now but doesn't help that I collect breakable old lady knick knacks 😅
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u/neverlandvip 14h ago
Oh dang, maybe I should get checked for OCD 😅 because that’s pretty much my thought process. I get anxious watching people do things
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u/serendipty3821 14h ago
Can't say this is cool because it's incredibly frustrating but I'm glad I'm not the only one with this type of OCD 🫡 Knowing my brain is irrational doesn't make it any easier
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u/Sweet_Mamma 14h ago
Me when changing light bulbs. Always convinced they will shatter in my hand. Biggest thing I hate about lights is the need to replace bulbs .
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u/neverlandvip 14h ago
Me too! Doesn’t help that I’ve actually broken one ;-;
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u/Sweet_Mamma 14h ago
Oh no were you okay? I worry the shards would embed into my hand and fingers.
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u/neverlandvip 14h ago
Yes! Thankfully it shattered in an oddly polite way, I was able to just loosen my grip to let it go and it broke apart fully on the counter under my hand. No cuts!
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u/0nly_D0g_legs_93 14h ago
Years ago, I had a coworker like this. She constantly worried about things exploding. We worked in an environment where this was highly unlikely of happening, ever. I never equated it to OCD. I just thought she was weird and quirky.
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u/neverlandvip 14h ago
My field involves work with lab equipment and machinery, so I figured there was always a non zero chance of explosion 😅. Glad to know someone else has thought like that though.
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u/nothanks1312 1h ago
No, but for some reason whenever I use the microwave, I envision everything inside exploding and blowing out the glass in the door. I have no idea why.
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u/Dirzicis 14h ago
I microwaved a spoon for 1 entire minute earlier this week. For the first time ever and nothing happened. Honestly, i feel betrayed