As we get older we find certain things that we prefer to have done the way we want. Once we have established a pattern that works for us we tend not to deviate from that path. It could be the path you take to work everyday, or tidying you house, loading the dishwasher or preparing food.
When we are younger our minds don't set on one way of doing things and we can learn different ways of doing things, friends and family can show you new ways of how tasks can be accomplished more efficiently.
I don't know what age exactly it is that you stop learning and commit to one way of doing things, but I'm pretty sure it starts in your 30's and once that happens there is next to no chance you are going to change your ways.
Some of us take it a step further, we become obsessive about it, and it you do those tasks compulsively because if you don't and you know you didn't, it will drive you crazy. The problem with this is that it will also drive all of you friends, family, and coworkers insane when they are around you.
It is a problem, if you have to wipe your countertop 5 times counter clockwise first, then 5 times clockwise because that's the way you have convinced yourself that the counter won't be clean otherwise, you can see how this might make you hard to be around.
We have to let certain things go, and not make a big deal if they are not done the way we want it to be. Life is stressing enough with the need to obsessively make sure that you don't drive even 1 km over the speed limit, or worrying about if your oranges are touching the chicken in the grocery bag, or wiping the counter if you see a crumb on it.
Let others help you and don't complain if they don't do it the way you would do it, be thankful they are helping you in the first place.
Scott Goerz
