Got any supernatural quirks?

[Tibby or Not Tibby]

All right, all you rational, science-minded Dopers, time to confess. Do you have any silly supernatural quirks?

I’ve got one: I always closely examine old black and white photographs for evidence of some sort of a time shift paradox. For example, sighting a laptop computer laying atop a desk in an old daguerreotype would qualify, as would an i-Pod peeking from Abe Lincoln’s breast pocket. Seldom viewed, high-resolution photos with lots of “clutter”(often requiring magnification to discern) pique my attention the most. I don’t expect to actually find one of these little paradoxes (really, I most certainly don’t), it’s just that…well, somebody’s got to police these things and keep order in the universe! I’ve even contemplated the sensation I would feel if presented with a positive hit: stomach drop followed by a feeling of impending—as Steven King might phrase it—slippage.

I think this must have started when I was thinking of novel ideas for a sci-fi/horror story, and my imagination got the better of me.

Let’s hear some of your quirks now.

[madmonk28]

I travel a lot and I always like to touch the fuselage of the plane as I get on. It's stupid and superstitious, but I it makes me feel better. I'd be completely embarassed if anyone I know found out about this, so when I'm traveling with someone I like to let them get in front of my in line so I can do it on the sly.

[Freudian_Slip]

Mine's flying related too. I sit bolt upright, both feet on the floor, close my eyes, and breathe out slowly when the plane is landing. I don't open my eyes until the wheels hit the tarmac.

The funny thing is I've done it for years, but never really thought about it until recently. I'm not exactly sure what would happen if I didn't perform this ritual, but it makes me a little uneasy to even think about not doing it.

The other one is from an old job. Four elevators, in a 10 story building. Whenever I walked up to them, a door would open without pushing the button. One post-call day, I figured it was that the elevators "liked" me - and the thought stuck, even though it is pretty silly

[madmonk28]

Originally Posted by Freudian_Slip

The other one is from an old job. Four elevators, in a 10 story building. Whenever I walked up to them, a door would open without pushing the button. One post-call day, I figured it was that the elevators "liked" me - and the thought stuck, even though it is pretty silly

Although I'm sure the elevators are very fond of you, did your building by any chance have a guy at the front desk? I ask, because at one of my buildings the guy at the front desk could push a button to call an elevator as you entered the lobby.

[Khadaji]

I pick up all money I find, even pennies. I'm afraid if I don't, the universe (or God) will think that I have too much money and stop sending me any.

[SurrenderDorothy]

Any time I think something bad, I try to conteract it immediately by thinking "loudly" that I don't really mean it.

Like "I hate my mom. I would be happy if she died.".... "WAIT! I DON'T MEAN THAT!"


even though when I think about it, my thinking I'd like my mom to die isn't going to make her die... and I don't really believe that whatever god there might be is sitting around listening to my thoughts and thinking up fun ways to torture me. There have to be more interesting people to torture.

(even though I can sort of picture him up there. "oh, you'd be HAPPY if she died, would you? well, I'm a loving god and I totally want you to be happy. *ZAP!*")

[Hal Briston]

Originally Posted by Freudian_Slip

The other one is from an old job. Four elevators, in a 10 story building. Whenever I walked up to them, a door would open without pushing the button. One post-call day, I figured it was that the elevators "liked" me - and the thought stuck, even though it is pretty silly

Before I began telecommuting, I would go into a four-story office with several elevator banks. On occasion, one would open just as I was walking by. After awhile (if I didn't have anything pressing), I began getting in -- just to see where the elevator wanted to take me.

[Lola Granola]

I touch the outside of the plane before I board too! My hubby thinks it's strange, but neurotically cute.

I hold my breath when driving by cemeteries. It started out with a friend of mine back in grade school. Her rational was, "It's not nice to breath when others can't" But it ended up being good lung training for swimming, and flute playing. I still do it when I drive by one, but the cemitaries seem to be, well, smaller these days.

[What Exit?]

Nitpick: Dr. PoopiePants, what you described does not sound like the Supernatural to me but rather just Science Fiction.

I once saw a bad movie where a Physicist convinced himself that time travel had to be real when a woman brought in a picture from the late 1800s with a man brandishing a modern pistol.

He of course creates a time machine, now that he "knew" it was possible.


My superstitions seem to all be tied to baseball and nightmares.

For baseball, I do not talk specifically about a no-hitter as it is happening.

In 2003 for game seven of Yankees vs. Red Sox I was clutching a framed picture of Yogi Berra I got as a kid and a small bottle filled with dirt from the Yankee Stadium warning track. That I had from the 1998 Game 1 of the World Series. Hoping the Yanks could somehow comeback and win. It worked.
Of course, in 2004, I tried the same thing and we know how that worked out.

I have had a few bad supernatural nightmares and I found that in the dreams if I loudly say A Elbereth Gilthoniel it chases away the
supernatural creature every time. It works for me, thankfully the nightmares are very rare.

Jim

[Gridnak]

Originally Posted by Khadaji

I pick up all money I find, even pennies. I'm afraid if I don't, the universe (or God) will think that I have too much money and stop sending me any.

The law of Conservation of Currency in action; I usually toss any pennies I get as change (or put them in the little change cup by the register if there is one).

[Surly Chick]

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I "knock on wood" (or say "knock wood" if there's none available). Pathetic, I know, but I can't help myself.

[Jackknifed Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by madmonk28

I travel a lot and I always like to touch the fuselage of the plane as I get on. It's stupid and superstitious, but I it makes me feel better....

Me three! I act like I'm just touching it for balance when entering the plane. But now that this appears to be common, flight attendents already probably know what I'm doing. This is something that a bit too weird to be this common, don't you think? I thought I was the only one.

[Cowgirl Jules]

Most of these sound more like superstitious quirks, rather than supernatural quirks. Wouldn't that be more like a tendency to levitate when you get anxious, or a habit of walking through walls?

Clearly, my supernatural quirk revolves around nit-picking at 100 yards.

[Freudian_Slip]

Originally Posted by madmonk28

Although I'm sure the elevators are very fond of you, did your building by any chance have a guy at the front desk? I ask, because at one of my buildings the guy at the front desk could push a button to call an elevator as you entered the lobby.

The elevators are in a separate foyer, way away from the front desk. So, no, they just like me

[tashabot]

Originally Posted by SurrenderDorothy

Any time I think something bad, I try to conteract it immediately by thinking "loudly" that I don't really mean it.

Like "I hate my mom. I would be happy if she died.".... "WAIT! I DON'T MEAN THAT!"


even though when I think about it, my thinking I'd like my mom to die isn't going to make her die... and I don't really believe that whatever god there might be is sitting around listening to my thoughts and thinking up fun ways to torture me. There have to be more interesting people to torture.

(even though I can sort of picture him up there. "oh, you'd be HAPPY if she died, would you? well, I'm a loving god and I totally want you to be happy. *ZAP!*")

I do this all the time, but it's my obsessive-compulsive disorder. I usually have to wash my hands while I'm refuting it, too.

As for the OP - I get deja-vu a lot, and when I do I stop what I'm doing and start searching the area with my eyes, just to see if a weird time-traveling version of me dropped something off as a clue. Nothing yet.

I've done this since I was a little kid, so I think it's habit. But I get deja-vu a LOT. Usually at least once a day, if not more.

~Tasha

[ralph124c]

I am precognitive. so i spend a lot of time avoiding potential disasters. only my efforst have screwed up space-time badly.

[madmonk28]

Originally Posted by Jackknifed Juggernaut

Me three! I act like I'm just touching it for balance when entering the plane. But now that this appears to be common, flight attendents already probably know what I'm doing. This is something that a bit too weird to be this common, don't you think? I thought I was the only one.

I know the get my balance trick very well my friend. I think it is common though, as I started doing it after hearing or reading about someone doing it. I remember when I heard/read (can't remember which) about it I thought it was odd, but then I tried it and it is oddly comforting.

[Jackknifed Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by madmonk28

....but then I tried it and it is oddly comforting.

True. The one time I didn't do it, it weighed on my mind the whole flight. And I'm not the least bit superstitious, except for this one thing.

[Peaceblossom]

Lots.
Superstitious:
I touch the outsides of planes too.
I say 'Bread and Butter' when walking on the other side of a pole from a friend or family member.
I knock wood.
Supernatural:
I might be very very very slightly telepathic. I've often clearly heard my mum calling me and come, only for her to say "No, I didn't call you. I was just wondering <insert trivial thing about me here>, though." That's all, but I do wish I could levitate. Who doesn't?

[SmartAleq]

I have caller ID in my head--I almost always know who's on the phone. Back when I was a phone rep I very often knew when I was getting a bad call before the person started talking.

I turn out streetlights when I walk or drive under them--once it was five in a row on a dark night, and it kinda spooked me a bit.

On the superstitious front, I knock wood too... or my head, if there is no other wood available!

[Shagnasty]

Originally Posted by Jackknifed Juggernaut

Me three! I act like I'm just touching it for balance when entering the plane. But now that this appears to be common, flight attendants already probably know what I'm doing. This is something that a bit too weird to be this common, don't you think? I thought I was the only one.

Holy shit! Me four or whatever the unexpectedly common number is up to now. I had no idea that anyone else did that I don't know why I started. I have never missed a good feel on the side of any of the countless flights I have ever taken. I will reposition around people to do it too and would be distressed if I somehow couldn't.

I don't have hardly any other quirks of that nature. I wonder why commercial air travel induces that specific compulsion?

[Jackknifed Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by Shagnasty

Holy shit! Me four or whatever the unexpectedly common number is up to now. I had no idea that anyone else did that I don't know why I started. I have never missed a good feel on the side of any of the countless flights I have ever taken. I will reposition around people to do it too and would be distressed if I somehow couldn't.

I don't have hardly any other quirks of that nature. I wonder why commercial air travel induces that specific compulsion?

I'm absolutely stunned that this is so common. I can't seem to remember when I started doing it. But I'm the (probably annoying) type of person that always poo-poos any type of superstition, including religion. But I still tap the side of the plane. This must be explained.

[Larry Borgia]

Originally Posted by Surly Chick

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I "knock on wood" (or say "knock wood" if there's none available). Pathetic, I know, but I can't help myself.

I do this too, and get quite neurotic if I make a boast about good fortune without some wood around to knock on. Just saying "knock wood" doesn't do it for me.

[Renee]

I touch the side of the plane, too, but not really for any reason. It wouldn't bother me at all if I wasn't able to. I just like the thought of planes--despite physics, the whole concept just seems impossible. I like to touch things in general (not people, though. Only my husband). When I'm shopping, I tend to touch or pick up the item's I'm looking at.

As to the OP, my husband and I often are thinking the same thing at the same time, more than would seem likely, but that's all I can think of.

[Kythereia]

I really, really don't like Jo. She's too much like Dean and she's just redundant, she doesn't add anything to the show and she's not interesting, and--




--oh. That's what you mean.

I always think, completely irrationally, that the pictures are alive (I tend to turn the book spines and DVD covers with faces on them into the wall) but I'm just nuts.

[Zeriel]

The streetlight thing happens to me too. They just turn off when I go by. Maybe that's a GQ.

I also have this thing when it's windy that I'll insist (usually just in my head) that the wind should get even faster RIGHT NOW, and sometimes it does. Hooray for selection bias making me feel powerful!

[Swallowed My Cellphone]

Originally Posted by Zeriel

The streetlight thing happens to me too. They just turn off when I go by. Maybe that's a GQ.

I believe that one is addressed in one of the Straightdope books. I will check the archive, perhaps it is also online.

[Swallowed My Cellphone]

Can some people extinguish streetlamps by means of their bodily emanations?

[According to Pliny]

Originally Posted by Khadaji

I pick up all money I find, even pennies. I'm afraid if I don't, the universe (or God) will think that I have too much money and stop sending me any.

I love to find pennies. I keep some in the car at all times, and every time I stop somewhere with a fountain, like the local mall or cineplex, I toss them all in. It's free entertainment. I'm not worried about gods and universes keeping score though. Just the sense of childish fun beats concerns for karma any day.

[eleanorigby]

Originally Posted by Kythereia

I always think, completely irrationally, that the pictures are alive (I tend to turn the book spines and DVD covers with faces on them into the wall) but I'm just nuts.

I do that! I don't want Phil Collins to see me getting dressed etc. So, any CDs, DVDs etc are face down.


So, of course the whole Harry Potter thing just feeds it.....

[capybara]

I hate planes and bridges, and whenever I get one one I have a habit of starting to graphically imagine a crash or engineering failure. That's the normal part-- less normal is that I stop myself quickly because on some level I fear that I might have some power, like Carrie or something, to CAUSE it if I imagine it vividly enough-- like will the accident to happen.

[Jennshark]

I throw a pinch of salt over my shoulder if I spill any.

I try not to step on sidewalk cracks (don't want to break my mother's back)

I don't ever set a hat on a bed.

[newcrasher]

Originally Posted by madmonk28

I travel a lot and I always like to touch the fuselage of the plane as I get on. It's stupid and superstitious, but I it makes me feel better. I'd be completely embarassed if anyone I know found out about this, so when I'm traveling with someone I like to let them get in front of my in line so I can do it on the sly.

I ALWAYS do this!! As I board I let my right hand touch the fuselage. No one would notice it at all. As I do it I think..."there's a good girl..." like its a horse or something...

Thought I was the only one.

[Oakminster]

Originally Posted by What Exit?

My superstitions seem to all be tied to baseball and nightmares.

For baseball, I do not talk specifically about a no-hitter as it is happening.

Hell, if that counts, then I claim theatre traditions--I don't mention by name or quote from that Scottish play backstage, nor will I whistle. If I am involved with a show and someone transgresses, I'll force them to leave the greenroom and do the ritual for readmittance. Also insist that the theatre maintain a fully functional Ghost Light. So mote it be.

[lizardling]

I don't look in the mirror in the dark.

I frequently invoke the traffic gods to give me a good AM commute, and don't say thank you until AFTER I've gotten to work.

[Kythereia]

Originally Posted by eleanorigby

I do that! I don't want Phil Collins to see me getting dressed etc. So, any CDs, DVDs etc are face down.

I swear, I thought I was the only one!

[Least Original User Name Ever]

I have seven dicks.

[TimeWinder]

Originally Posted by Cowgirl Jules

Most of these sound more like superstitious quirks, rather than supernatural quirks. Wouldn't that be more like a tendency to levitate when you get anxious, or a habit of walking through walls?

Clearly, my supernatural quirk revolves around nit-picking at 100 yards.

I think superstitions are just hopes of invoking the supernatural, so let's call it a wash.

[Triskadecamus]

I expand the fabric of my personal energy to fill my home. I sometimes surround people I love with it too.

Tris

[Electronic Chaos]

Hah, well if I ever invent a time machine, first thing I'm going to do is pose in a bunch of photographs with anachronistic objects. Maybe even hold up a sign that says "Hello, Dr. PoopyPants. I know you're watching." in one.

But no, I don't have any superstitions.

[Tibby or Not Tibby]

Originally Posted by Electronic Chaos

Hah, well if I ever invent a time machine, first thing I'm going to do is pose in a bunch of photographs with anachronistic objects. Maybe even hold up a sign that says "Hello, Dr. PoopyPants. I know you're watching." in one.

But no, I don't have any superstitions.

Ah ha! So, that was you, eh? I can confirm that you’re prescience was spot on with regard to your future plans to travel in to the past for the express purpose of giving me the heebie jeebies. Just today, while examining some circa 1870’s photos from Tennessee, lo and behold—I see this obviously non-Gilded Age bloke holding a sign exactly as you describe. I’m a bit confused however, assuming you made the trip on or beyond 2006, why were you wearing a leisure suite, wide lapelled, open-collared shirt, platform shoes, and sporting a disco haircut with mutton chops? Oh, and BTW, your zipper was at half-mast.

[Rilchiam]

I can make Diet Pepsi cans appear.

Once, when I was working at an amusement park, I was on one of the stationary carts. Started to get thirsty, and my break was a long time away. Then I looked at one of the benches, and an unopened can of Pepsi was sitting on it.

Then I was on another job, where there was a deli lunch. Several cases of regular and Diet Coke. I despise Coca-Cola, and resigned myself to water. Then I saw an unopened can of Diet Pepsi at the end of one of the tables.

Mr. Rilch and I were organizing stuff in our storage space. Hot, tiring work. Neither of us had thought to bring anything to drink. As we were checking out, the office clerk said, "Is this yours? Somebody left it," and held up an unopened can of Diet Pepsi. (The storage facility does not have vending machines.)

Some confluence of circumstances that I'm not aware of, of course. Now if it was Vernor's Ginger Ale every time, then I'd be eeked out. But there's a lot of Diet Pepsi in the world.

[nocturnal_tick]

Pedestrian crossing will turn green when I want to cross 95% of the time for me. A specific crossing does it 100% of the time. I like to say thank you whenever I cross.

[Wile E]

I always knock on wood.

I always try to pick up pennies. The other day I was with my boyfriend and I passed up a penny and I keep thinking about that damn penny.

I also turn books, magazine, CDs, etc. with pictures away from me, especially if I am undressing or trying to sleep.

I also still look under my bed before I go to sleep.

[Hostile Dialect]

Yes. The universe revolves around me.

[cmyk]

If I ever joke about dying or getting some terminal, or downright disturbing disease or malady, inside my head, I always "take it back". Y'know, for fear of the universe somehow listening in and granting me the "wish". I hate being misunderstood.

More in spirit with the OP's issue... every time I see a light or plane in the sky at night (that clearly isn't a star or planet) I secretly hope against hope, that THIS time it'll be a UFO or other bizarre phenomenon. Which, of course, couldn't ever happen. Ever. Ahem.

I am also holding out to witness a "local" supernova... that would be kickass.

[Fastidiots]

I touch fuselages as well. I also cross myself when I see an ambulance. I collect pennies. I fold the straws I get from my SoCo's n coke into triangles and put them in the ashtrays. Helps keep track of how many drinks I've had.

[fisha]

Originally Posted by madmonk28

I travel a lot and I always like to touch the fuselage of the plane as I get on. It's stupid and superstitious, but I it makes me feel better. I'd be completely embarassed if anyone I know found out about this, so when I'm traveling with someone I like to let them get in front of my in line so I can do it on the sly.

Haven't been on a plane for ten years, went last week. Quick double tap on the side of the fuselage with my wedding ring. All because of you, Madmonk. Made me feel much better, thanks. Absolutely perfect flights.

Supernatural powers? I can sense cops. I can make men lose their train of thought.

[madmonk28]

Originally Posted by dahfisheroo

Haven't been on a plane for ten years, went last week. Quick double tap on the side of the fuselage with my wedding ring. All because of you, Madmonk. Made me feel much better, thanks. Absolutely perfect flights.

Supernatural powers? I can sense cops. I can make men lose their train of thought.

Now that you are in the know, watch when you board a plane and you'll see other people doing it.

[Scubaqueen]

i've been active in theater since the earth was cooling, so there are any number of quirks.

when i'm opening a show my friends know to never say 'good luck.' they know to say 'break a leg.' the dive master is especially well trained in this now.

never, EVER whistle in a theater. very bad luck.

i always wear the exact same pair of tragedy / comedy earrings for opening night that i've had for eons.

add me to the list of throwing salt over a shoulder and knocking on wood. don't think i could stop them if i tried.

my mother undoubtedly had a touch of the fey in her. she had three unique paranormal experiences in her life. my sister and i are waiting for it to start happening to us.