Would I be considered germophobic?!
Question: I don't think I'm germophobic. I just think that I'm a little bit more aware of germs than most people -- and I obviously try to avoid them. However, I have been told (not by a professional) that I exhibit some germophobic tendencies and that I am a germophobe.
Some of the tendencies in question include:
I will not eat anything if it has touched the table or place mat directly. If it's fallen off the plate, it's off limits.
On occasion I'll refrain from touching surfaces (walls, desk, etc) unless necessary, but not always.
There are certain types of toothbrushes I refuse to use. Even if they're sealed in a sterile container, certain toothbrushes seem unclean to me.
Almost every time I touch a doorknob I have a sense of uncleanliness.
However, I do have a dog and I have no problem petting/touching her. I realize that I don't avoid germs in every aspect of my life. Whether this is a phobia or not, it's not rational or entirely logic-based.
What do you guys think?
Answers: I don't think I'm germophobic. I just think that I'm a little bit more aware of germs than most people -- and I obviously try to avoid them. However, I have been told (not by a professional) that I exhibit some germophobic tendencies and that I am a germophobe.
Some of the tendencies in question include:
I will not eat anything if it has touched the table or place mat directly. If it's fallen off the plate, it's off limits.
On occasion I'll refrain from touching surfaces (walls, desk, etc) unless necessary, but not always.
There are certain types of toothbrushes I refuse to use. Even if they're sealed in a sterile container, certain toothbrushes seem unclean to me.
Almost every time I touch a doorknob I have a sense of uncleanliness.
However, I do have a dog and I have no problem petting/touching her. I realize that I don't avoid germs in every aspect of my life. Whether this is a phobia or not, it's not rational or entirely logic-based.
What do you guys think?
Some of your actions suggest a germ phobia. How do you avoid touching desks, walls and doorknobs? Also what brands of toothbrushes do you refuse to use? I'll admit that one is a little strange to me. I don't think however that not eating something that has fallen on a table or placemat is weird because I'm like that as well. When you've reached the point of taking out a handkerchief to wipe off your seat etc like Niles Crane on Frasier then maybe you should see a therapist, but as long as it's not keeping you from leaving your home and spending all your money on cleaning products I think you will be ok!
You're not quite there yet but you are quirky.
Not there... but you have symptoms.
It's just something you do, it's all good
Ummm, I would say no, but you have some issues.
I'm an optimist, so I would say you're half smart for allowing yourself to come in contact with germs that help fight off staff infection, and help the body remain regular, and have overall better health.
If I was a pessimist, I would just say you're half stupid. But I'm not =P
Sounds close enough to me. Seems like you have some form of OCD.
I'm somewhat like you, you just took it a little further than me. Your not totally germophobic though. Its like, seriously. Those people who wear doctors masks on airplanes and stuff? that kinda scares me :/
i wouldn't call it an extreme case, its probably minor
Im like you i cant eat anything that has touched the table (table-ized as i call it) unless it my own of course i cant even use the napkin side that touched the table (like at a fast food place) but i dont beleive im a germophobe if i am then who cares it dosnt bother me sure it annoys others but whatever at least im not like putting plastic on everthing to keep it clean lol or living in a bubble lol
I am not sure how to call this, except that if it gets worse you probably would need professional help. I have a friend that is a little like you. As for myself I wash my hands everytime I do something and use a lot of purell. So go figure.