We like to think of ourselves as being unique. We are less than pleased when it gets pointed out that there is a monotonous pattern in much of our individual lives. Like that friend who starts humming the tune to the song “Dusty Boots” every time she washes dishes. Or the person you hate to drive with because his speed increases as soon as the light turns yellow.
You may smile at these and say that the friends have a few personal quirks. It goes deeper. The wooden spoon you always grab for automatically, the greetings you use habitually without thinking. Reaching to the right to turn on the light switch when it’s on the left – the last place you lived had it on the right. At last, your idiotic delight in using the word “alfresco” every time we go on a hike and eat our lunch on the trail!
It goes deeper; planners, designers and anthropologists, and even politicians study the patterns.
Next time you insist that you are an independent thinker, proud contrarian, master of your fate, think about…oh, let’s say your shopping habits on Amazon. Their suggestions for you seem suspiciously on the mark?
7 Replies to “Habit”
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Louis N. Carreras, Woodcarver 
Just like everyone else I like being unique 😀 Thanks for joining in with great words Lou 🙂 🙂
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Thats a great look at the habitual life of us weird old humans. We all have habits even if we don’t realise and those habits good or bad start right at our DNA I reckon. Great post.
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Oh those prickly habits. You are so right about this. I think many start at the moment of birth. I think we are more alike in this area than most of us think. I do love giving Amazon a little kick when I order gifts for someone other than myself. Every web site likes to keep track of all our habits. There are no secrets anymore. I never order chocolate online. Can you imagine the ramifications of that?
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Chocolate…I can’t resist it. I agree never on Amazon. I’d be flooded with stuff.
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What suggestions does Amazon give you?
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I often get suggestions to buy what I’ve already purchased, or things that seem like they are totally random.
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Did you ever end up with a bread knife after my Super Sweet Sunday selections?
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