Having particular or “weird” habits doesn’t mean you have OCD.
So many people are quick to self-diagnose with conditions like this, or use them as catchphrases to seem quirky or cool. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a serious and often debilitating condition that isn’t as simple as not wanting your food to touch on the plate or checking multiple times to make sure you turned the hob off. Before you joke (or seriously insist) you have OCD, be aware that these behaviours are actually normal and not indicative of a mental health problem.
1. Double-checking locks or appliances
It’s normal to double-check if the door is locked or if you’ve turned off the hob. Safety’s a basic instinct, not necessarily a sign of OCD. Everyone has moments of doubt, especially when they’re rushing or distracted. A quick check isn’t a red flag—it’s just making sure things are as they should be.
2. Preferring things to be neat and orderly
Having a tidy home or workspace isn’t unusual. Plenty of people feel more comfortable when things are in their place. Liking organisation doesn’t mean you’re obsessive; it’s often about feeling relaxed and focused. It’s about finding calm in your space, not about controlling it.
3. Washing your hands regularly
Handwashing is basic hygiene, and doing it after certain activities or before meals is pretty standard. With everything we touch each day, it’s totally reasonable to wash up often. Keeping clean doesn’t mean you’re obsessive; it just means you’re health-conscious.
4. Wanting things to feel “even” or balanced
Some people feel off if something isn’t visually or physically balanced, like a picture hanging slightly crooked. But getting satisfaction from symmetry doesn’t automatically point to OCD. This quirk is more about aesthetics or just a preference for things to look right.
5. Rearranging items until they look right
If you like adjusting items on a shelf until they’re “just so,” that’s pretty common. Lots of people do this to make things look pleasing to them. It’s more about creating a vibe than feeling out of control.
6. Counting steps or actions sometimes
Counting things like steps, tiles, or actions every now and then isn’t unusual. People often do this without even thinking, like a little mental habit. It’s typically just a quirk, not an indicator of something bigger.
7. Wanting routines to stay the same
There’s comfort in routines, and most people enjoy a certain rhythm to their day. Liking predictability doesn’t mean you’re obsessive; it’s just about keeping life manageable. Routine often feels grounding, especially when life gets hectic.
8. Being particular about cleanliness at home
Source: Unsplash Wanting a clean space, especially when guests come over, is something most people relate to. It’s normal to feel better in a tidy home. This isn’t about being obsessive; it’s just about enjoying your surroundings without the mess.
9. Checking your work for mistakes
Reviewing something before sending it off is just smart. Everyone wants to catch mistakes before they’re out there for the world to see. Double-checking is about accuracy, not obsession, especially when the stakes are high.
10. Following a skincare or self-care routine
Source: Unsplash Doing a series of steps each day to take care of yourself is pretty common. Many people find comfort in skincare or bedtime routines. It’s about feeling good and winding down, not about rigidly sticking to a ritual.
11. Organising things in specific ways
Organising clothes by colour or keeping certain items in certain spots isn’t unusual. People enjoy finding things easily and having their space look how they like it. It’s about feeling efficient and comfortable in your space, not about obsessive control.
12. Keeping lists and to-dos
Source: Unsplash Using lists to stay on track is just a way to stay organised. A lot of people enjoy the satisfaction of crossing things off or knowing what’s next. Keeping lists is about feeling on top of things, not about being overwhelmed by them.
13. Having superstitions or small rituals
Source: Unsplash People often have little rituals, like wearing lucky socks or knocking on wood. It’s just part of human nature to hold on to things that bring comfort or confidence. These habits usually come from tradition or personal quirks, not from obsession.
14. Feeling uncomfortable with certain textures or surfaces
If certain fabrics or surfaces bother you, that’s just a preference. People naturally have likes and dislikes when it comes to sensory experiences. It’s a quirk, not a sign of something deeper—just your senses telling you what feels right.
15. Preferring certain foods or ways of eating
Source: Unsplash Many people have specific ways they like to eat or foods they avoid. Having food preferences or routines is natural and often just a matter of taste or comfort. It’s about knowing what works for you, not about rigid control.
