I know I'm posting again but I'm worried about my eyes

[pulisa]

I understand completely what you are saying/describing, Nora. It's just that I prefer to think of myself as someone who has motivation. I have OCD to thank for this. It keeps me going.

[NoraB]

I understand completely what you are saying/describing, Nora. It's just that I prefer to think of myself as someone who has motivation. I have OCD to thank for this. It keeps me going.

Wish I could say the same about mine... Keeps me fit though - all the stairs climbing to check those sockets..

Yesterday was especially problematic. I went down into town to socialise with my friend so, anxiety. I did my usual five trips up and downstairs to do the checks. I'd shut the pooch in the kitchen, given her the Bonio, GOT TO THE CAR, and then my brain argued with my eyes (again) and I was back in the house (confusing the shit out of the dog) STOMPING up the stairs calling myself a lunatic. (Got down on my hands and knees to physically touch each socket on an extension to make sure there wasn't a plug in there)

Saw my mate on the car park and she had to stand there while I locked/unlocked/locked/unlocked/locked the car..

Then we went for a brew and discussed the demise of Boris Johnson, our inability to enjoy holidays, and watching Dr Popper.

[pulisa]

I'm like this too with checking. You've got to laugh about it really and just allow more time to "escape" the house! Must look ridiculous to onlookers though.

[Carys]

Ahhhhhhhh thats so me - brain not believing eyes LOL PLugs, sockets, checking......just like you LOL

[WorryRaptor]

I have a spicy combo of OCD and ADHD. I've learned to embrace the chaos.

[pulisa]

I try to take a photo in my mind of a "safe" socket then walk away as quickly as I can..The first few minutes after leaving the house are hell and some days I can carry on and some days I have to go back, rinse and repeat..There used to be a man who lived opposite who obviously had similar problems and I'd watch him and urge him on to leave the house..He rarely could sadly.

[Darksky]

I try to take a photo in my mind of a "safe" socket then walk away as quickly as I can..The first few minutes after leaving the house are hell and some days I can carry on and some days I have to go back, rinse and repeat..There used to be a man who lived opposite who obviously had similar problems and I'd watch him and urge him on to leave the house..He rarely could sadly.

That’s so sad about your neighbour.
I watched my sister leave the house today. The door knob and lock took an age. Counting comes into it too, how many times should she push down and pull. I think it was 4. She said the lock was dodgy and she had to make doubly sure it was locked.

Yeah, you can’t kid a kidder as I told her.

[pulisa]

It's very hard to admit to these things when you're older, I find..I've been secretive all my adult life about my food issues which are very much linked in with OCD..There's a sense of shame that you've haven't managed to crack it when you "should" have..

[NoraB]

I try to take a photo in my mind of a "safe" socket then walk away as quickly as I can..The first few minutes after leaving the house are hell and some days I can carry on and some days I have to go back, rinse and repeat..There used to be a man who lived opposite who obviously had similar problems and I'd watch him and urge him on to leave the house..He rarely could sadly.

You've just given me an idea..

I have an extension that is particularly problematic because it's the one I use for my straighteners etc. I often freak out about this one, especially when we're going out for a few hours (this was the one I was down on my hands and knees with the other day) I could take an actual picture of it on my phone and when the doubts start creeping in I can prove to myself that I've switched everything off!

We bought some Alexa plugs too but I don't trust the woman. She's hit and miss with the plug in the sunroom as it is and I've had many an argument with her about not turning off the fan when asked.

Thank you P!

Re having to back to the house, this has been me on countless occasions including one day where I was with my brother and his wife and we were 40 miles into a trip to the seaside when I freaked out that I'd left my curling tongues on (despite the checks which happen regardless of where I am). Needless to say, the anxiety got too much and I made him drive back to the house. In reality, the house was fine; I'd switched the damn things off.. Brother dude wasn't very pleased with his little sister... (his Mrs wasn't too chuffed either)

For the past 15 years my OCD has served me well because my husband has a habit of leaving things on and doors unlocked, so my OCD cancels out his recklessness with our home..

[pulisa]

It's wretched responsibility, I reckon, and the potential guilt from being the person who caused the "disaster/tragedy".

I'm bad with my iron..Even if I haven't switched it on!!

Glad I could help with the pictures element, Nora. Portable visual "proof" may put paid to those unwanted and intrusive doubts?