# Idiotic stuff you do on a consistent basis **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 5, 2018, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660 "2018-05-05T19:47:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/21 "2018-05-07T13:03:29Z")
> [@DavidwithanR](#): > > The only way I prevent these things for myself is that every time I go out the door I give myself a security pat-down to make sure I have keys/wallet/phone. I do the same thing to keep from locking myself out of my car. Have fingers on keys (in right pocket!) while shutting door. But I also have a spare key in that little watch pocket of my jeans, because it’s not infallible. This is an older car, I’ll bet it’s harder these days (wife’s car won’t lock if keys are in ignition or lights are on). ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/22 "2018-05-07T14:01:07Z")
> [@Patx2](#): > > I would say that 95% of the time when I’m making coffee, I have no problem pouring the first 90-95% of the water into the coffee maker. Then, for whatever reason, I consistently end up pouring the rest of the water either all over the counter or the coffee maker. I have no idea why the hell I do this, but I’m really good at it 😊. How about you? I get the coffee ready the night before and set the timer so it is ready for me when I wake up. I _have to_ put the water in first, then put the coffee in the filter basket. If for some reason I put the coffee in first, I always forget to add the water second. So then when I wake up in the morning I’ve got an empty pot sizzling away on the warmer. I expect some morning I will come into the kitchen and find shattered carafe shards all over the floor. At work there are parts of the building that are secured and no cell phones are allowed. About half the time that I need to go back to the secured area, I’ll get all the way to the door then realize I still have my phone, so then I have to walk all the way back to my desk to put it away. ---
**Author:** ![Calatin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Calatin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Calatin)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/23 "2018-05-07T14:22:23Z")
My coat rack is right by the front door of my apartment. I also have an afro wig on top (long story) and several hats that sit on the wig. At least twice a week, when I come home, it startles me, making me think someone is in my apartment. ---
**Author:** ![Kelevra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/97f17d/32.png) [@Kelevra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kelevra)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/24 "2018-05-07T14:38:44Z")
Whenever I put a t-shirt on it’s always backwards. I swear it’s my super-power. If I pick up a tshirt and intentionally turn it around first, it will still be backwards. I will frequently check the tag then put on the shirt and it will be backwards. Yesterday I was amazed that I put on a shirt and I could tell it was not backwards! It was a serious highlight. Then I looked in the mirror and saw it was inside out. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/25 "2018-05-07T16:30:57Z")
We have this iced tea pitcher with a tupperware-type lid. Twist the lid one way,and the liquid comes out of a wide circular hole. Twist the lid another way and it comes out through narrow slots. Anywhere in between and the lid is blocked - no liquid will come out. One of my roommates (I don’t know who) always twists the lid to the closed section when they are done. I have no idea why. But the upshot is that I come up in the morning, sleepy and desperate for caffeine, and try to pour myself a glass of tea and nothing comes out. And I can NEVER remember to twist the lid open first. In my head, the default position is open, and my sleepy self just keeps tilting the pitcher until the tea pours out. It pours out along with the lid and drenches my whole arm, is what it does. One might think that just one drenching with cold liquid first thing in the morning would teach one to check the friggin’ pitcher. But no, it’s happened several times now. My one saving grace is that I’m also in the habit of pouring drinks over the sink. So at least I don’t have to get the mop out each time. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/26 "2018-05-07T18:15:48Z")
> [@Wallet](#): > > I read an excellent solution to this problem (I think right here, actually). > Just take a quick cell phone pic of your biggest worries right before you leave your house - the stove, the bathroom outlet, and your hand jiggling your obviously locked front door. I started doing this a few weeks ago. I take a picture of the stove burner and the outlet for the coffee maker. It really helps. I no longer have to do the checking 4 times thing. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/27 "2018-05-07T18:17:39Z")
> [@Kelevra](#): > > Whenever I put a t-shirt on it’s always backwards. I swear it’s my super-power. If I pick up a tshirt and intentionally turn it around first, it will still be backwards. I will frequently check the tag then put on the shirt and it will be backwards. > Yesterday I was amazed that I put on a shirt and I could tell it was not backwards! It was a serious highlight. Then I looked in the mirror and saw it was inside out. Missed the edit window. I do this every. single. time. with t-shirts. It never fucking fails that I put it on backwards. ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/28 "2018-05-07T21:46:10Z")
I harpooned my thigh on our admin assistant’s sharp desk corner so many times that she ordered and installed a childproof safety cover on it. I have a tow hook screwed into my front bumper for track reasons. It’s essentially a giant steel eyehook that extends about 5" out from the bumper. Here’s the plot: Oooh, happy, happy warm day! Let’s wax the car, tralalalala FUCK!!! (Shin meets hook). Five minutes later: Yaay, fun day, pop the hood, yaaa FUCK! AGAIN! (Hook drilled into shin. Again). Smart Self: let’s just unscrew the hook, we seem to forget it’s there. Dumb Self: nah, we’ll remember this time. Five minutes later: tralalalala, waxin the hood and singing- FUCK! ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/29 "2018-05-07T22:00:26Z")
I’ll need to take the Fifth on this, 'cause all my idiotic stuff is done _on purpose!_ 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/30 "2018-05-07T22:07:02Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > We have this iced tea pitcher with a tupperware-type lid. Twist the lid one way,and the liquid comes out of a wide circular hole. Twist the lid another way and it comes out through narrow slots. Anywhere in between and the lid is blocked - no liquid will come out. > > One of my roommates (I don’t know who) always twists the lid to the closed section when they are done. I have no idea why. But the upshot is that I come up in the morning, sleepy and desperate for caffeine, and try to pour myself a glass of tea and nothing comes out. > > And I can NEVER remember to twist the lid open first. In my head, the default position is open, and my sleepy self just keeps tilting the pitcher until the tea pours out. It pours out along with the lid and drenches my whole arm, is what it does. > > One might think that just one drenching with cold liquid first thing in the morning would teach one to check the friggin’ pitcher. But no, it’s happened several times now. > > My one saving grace is that I’m also in the habit of pouring drinks over the sink. So at least I don’t have to get the mop out each time. I just recently figured out that some of my repeat kitchen accidents are because Mrs. Shark is left-handed. Stuff like pour pitcher lids being the “wrong way” and the microwave opening “backwards” are due to handedness. Side note: when she was a paramedic with FDNY she had a lot of injuries, including a stretcher mechanism that nearly degloved three fingers -she finally figured out that the equipment wasn’t left-hand-friendly. ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/31 "2018-05-08T00:09:31Z")
> [@Calatin](#): > > My coat rack is right by the front door of my apartment. I also have an afro wig on top (long story) and several hats that sit on the wig. > > At least twice a week, when I come home, it startles me, making me think someone is in my apartment. I think that wins the thread 😊! ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/32 "2018-05-08T00:11:36Z")
> [@Kelevra](#): > > Whenever I put a t-shirt on it’s always backwards. I swear it’s my super-power. If I pick up a tshirt and intentionally turn it around first, it will still be backwards. I will frequently check the tag then put on the shirt and it will be backwards. > Yesterday I was amazed that I put on a shirt and I could tell it was not backwards! It was a serious highlight. Then I looked in the mirror and saw it was inside out. I once wore a t-shirt backwards for about half a day, thank goodness I didn’t leave the house and it had a pocket that I obviously didn’t miss. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/33 "2018-05-08T02:41:18Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > One of my roommates (I don’t know who) always twists the lid to the closed section when they are done. I have no idea why. > > And I can NEVER remember to twist the lid open first. In my head, the default position is open… Wait, is the default position for your milk or your beer “OPEN”? Or your soda pop? I would think closed is better, in terms of taste and freshness. And carbonation. Oh, how about your front door? Or your fly? I think “Closed” should be the default with most things, and your roommate is being considerate. ---
**Author:** ![4d3fect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/4d3fect/32/9728_2.png) [@4d3fect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/4d3fect)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/34 "2018-05-08T02:44:52Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > Like an idiot, I wake up every day. Like an idiot, I get out of bed every day. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/35 "2018-05-08T03:27:38Z")
> [@Patx2](#): > > I once wore a t-shirt backwards for about half a day, thank goodness I didn’t leave the house and it had a pocket that I obviously didn’t miss. I do this, regularly. When it’s cool weather I put a hoodie on in the mornings. I may go several hours before I look down and notice it is inside out. Usually I just leave that way, I ain’t proud. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/36 "2018-05-08T04:17:58Z")
> [@Jennshark](#): > > I harpooned my thigh on our admin assistant’s sharp desk corner so many times that she ordered and installed a childproof safety cover on it. > . . . I just love this. How sweet of her to do it. > [@digs](#): > > Wait, is the default position for your milk or your beer “OPEN”? Or your soda pop? I would think closed is better, in terms of taste and freshness. And carbonation. > > Oh, how about your front door? Or your fly? I think “Closed” should be the default with most things, and your roommate is being considerate. Well, I don’t drink milk or beer, and I don’t share my soda pop. But nevertheless those all have screw caps. If you don’t screw them shut they are open to things falling into them. That can’t happen with the lid on the pitcher, but the pour spot open. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/37 "2018-05-09T15:07:38Z")
I have this weird tendency to turn left, especially when I’m mentally sorting down my “what am I doing next” list. But very often, I need to turn right to do whatever task is next, and I don’t just stop in the middle of a turn. Instead of a nice sharp 90 degrees to the right, I do a 270 degree pirouette to the left. I spin around like this way too much. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/38 "2018-05-09T15:58:03Z")
I never wear a seatbelt in the back seat of a taxi or an Uber. I always realize I didn’t when I get out, and give my self a forehead slap. What makes it even more stupid is that I never forget to do so when I’m driving or when riding in a car with a family member or friend. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/39 "2018-05-09T16:01:34Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I do this, regularly. When it’s cool weather I put a hoodie on in the mornings. I may go several hours before I look down and notice it is inside out. Usually I just leave that way, I ain’t proud. [There’s more than one way to wear a hoodie.](http://prorege-forum.com/forum_entry.php?id=14977) ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660/40 "2018-05-09T16:03:18Z")
“See attachment etc…” on an email, then forgot to attach anything… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-stuff-you-do-on-a-consistent-basis/813660.md?page=3)