# Mundane pointless things you do anyway **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 20, 2021, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682 "2021-11-20T18:12:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/1 "2021-11-20T18:12:35Z")
I have been living on my own and doing my own laundry for nearly 50 years. For nearly all that time, when folding my clean clothes I automatically turned my undershirts and underpants right side out before folding and putting them away. It was only a couple years ago that it dawned on me that there was no practical reason for doing this; it’s purely an aesthetic matter, to keep the labels or woven brand names right way round. As far as actually _wearing_ them is concerned, there is, AFAICT, no discernable difference. But even after this epiphany, I kept doing it, mainly out of inertia. In the last few weeks I have decided that, now that I’m 66, life is too short to waste on such nonsense, and have thrown caution to the winds and started putting on my undershirts and underpants however they come out of the dryer inside out or right way out, willy nilly. So far, the sun has continued to rise in the east and set in the west. I can only regret the thousands of hours I’ve wasted over the decades turning clothes right way out. So what mundane pointless things have you recognized in your life, and either stopped doing or kept on doing anyway, and why? ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/2 "2021-11-20T18:50:53Z")
Inside out? No, I’m sorry, that’s just wrong. Cease this madness immediately!!! Interestingly enough, I was thinking along the same lines about… something… and for the life of me I don’t recall what it was. I think you threw my universe out of kilter with your inside-out underwear. Must find equilibrium… ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/3 "2021-11-20T18:54:16Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > So far, the sun has continued to rise in the east and set in the west. - Sure, maybe for _you._ ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/4 "2021-11-20T18:57:04Z")
I don’t wear undershirts, but i intentionally wear some underpants inside out. Some of my underwear has pronounced seams, and i realized several years ago that it’s more comfortable if i wear it with the seams out, not against my skin. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/5 "2021-11-20T19:29:34Z")
I love this thread. Thank you for starting it. > [@commasense](#): > > I automatically turned my undershirts and underpants right side out before folding and putting them away. I have often left my t-shirts inside out until I’m ready to wear them. Especially dark ones. Minimizes the opportunity for cat hair to collect on the public side. > [@commasense](#): > > …now that I’m 66, life is too short to waste on such nonsense, and have thrown caution to the winds… With all the extra time you have freed up, we expect to see lots of posts and possibly a very long novel by next summer. * * * > [@puzzlegal](#): > > …that it’s more comfortable if i wear it with the seams out, not against my skin… I do this with nightgowns that have labels. And also with socks that have seams. I can’t stand that sock seam rubbing on my toes. I like shirts that have the label info printed on the fabric. At least one does not seem to encounter the hated stiff nylon thread (like fishing line) that used to be found in neckline labels. Dear God, the corner of one of those was like a needle poking you! * * * TBH, my whole life is pretty mundane and pointless. Currently my principal non-pointless activity is taking care of my 16-year old doggie and making whatever months, weeks she has left the best they can possibly be. Here’s something extremely mundane: when I feed my two cats, I put their wet food in two oval dishes on a tray. One of the dishes is white with goldfish painted on it. It has no up- or downside. The other dish says “CAT” inside the rim. When I set that dish down, I always turn it so that the word CAT is rightside up in relation to the cat who will be eating from it. It just seems wrong–I dunno, _insulting_ somehow–to turn the dish upside down even though I’m _pretty_ sure neither cat can tell the difference. I’ve been dying to share that with someone. Thank you for providing a place to do it. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/6 "2021-11-20T20:08:24Z")
At my current stage of life, getting out of bed in the morning is mundane and often pointless. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/7 "2021-11-20T20:52:53Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Some of my underwear has pronounced seams, and i realized several years ago that it’s more comfortable if i wear it with the seams out, not against my skin. When I was [driving my sports car on track](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-high-performance-driving-instructor/354791) I had driving gloves with the seams outside for that reason. [https://s.yimg.com/aah/yhst-11169648428637/racequip-359-series-outseam-race-gloves-red-black-21.gif](https://s.yimg.com/aah/yhst-11169648428637/racequip-359-series-outseam-race-gloves-red-black-21.gif) They were definitely more comfortable than conventional gloves, and I thought wearing undershirts inside out might have a similar benefit, but it turns out that my undershirts don’t fit as tightly as gloves (fortunately) , and I can’t perceive any difference. > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I have often left my t-shirts inside out until I’m ready to wear them. Especially dark ones. Minimizes the opportunity for cat hair to collect on the public side. For the sake of this thread, we can distinguish between t-shirts, which are worn on the outside, and undershirts, which aren’t. I still turn my t-shirts right side out after laundering, although I might follow @ThelmaLou’s advice if I had a cat. > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I’ve been dying to share that with someone. Thank you for providing a place to do it. You’re welcome! ---
**Author:** ![SurrenderDorothy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/surrenderdorothy/32/1221_2.png) [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/8 "2021-11-20T23:12:20Z")
I say “please” and “thank you” to Alexa. I know it’s silly. I do it just sort of automatically, out of habit- asking anyone for anything should come with a please/thank you. It’s not because I’ve carefully considered my robot servant’s feelings. That said, I figure it’s not a bad habit to have and I’m not going to put any kind of effort into stopping. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/9 "2021-11-20T23:53:11Z")
I do that with things that talk to me too, including to Waze or Google Maps when they’re telling me how to get where I need to go. Almost a reflex along the lines of “if it’s talking to me, social courtesy kicks in”. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/10 "2021-11-21T00:37:16Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > i realized several years ago that it’s more comfortable if i wear it with the seams out, not against my skin. This for so many things. I have sensitive skin and all the conditions that go along with it. I used to wear a camisole under my bra because my skin can’t take latex and they don’t make cotton bras in extra-big sizes. I turn socks inside out and buy only one brand of underwear with the seams completely covered with cotton. Oftentimes the cheap thread of the seam is what is irritating my skin. I have to be extra-careful when buying. I used to fold underwear. It has it’s own drawer, there is no need to fold it. I used to have 3 sheet sets and rotate them. That meant they need to be folded. Now, though I do have a backup, I have one sheet set that gets washed and goes back on the bed the same day. When it gets too worn out to use, I’ll start using the backup set and go out and purchase another backup. I still practice FIFO in the kitchen unless I just got ahold of some extremely fresh eggs which must be tasted right away. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/11 "2021-11-21T00:45:41Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > I have sensitive skin and all the conditions that go along with it. I used to wear a camisole under my bra because my skin can’t take latex and they don’t make cotton bras in extra-big sizes. I turn socks inside out and buy only one brand of underwear with the seams completely covered with cotton.- MY PEOPLE!! 👋🏽 🤗 My late husband used to call me The Princess and the Pea (not to be confused with The Princess Who Has to Pee, although that sometimes applied.) Here are some quite painless [undies](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L372KQ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)–very soft everywhere. No exposed elastic or (ugh!) scratchy lace. I would like to know your brand of undies, if you feel okay about sharing. I think I had an underwear thread once on the old board. 🤔 I’ve been contemplating starting a “Comfortable Bra” thread. Where we can also discuss Yeti and the Loch Ness Monster. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/12 "2021-11-21T01:07:35Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > So far, the sun has continued to rise in the east and set in the west. Perhaps. Or perhaps not. You should discuss it with [Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delayed-sunrise-in-panama/954649/31). ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/13 "2021-11-21T01:24:31Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I think I had an underwear thread once on the old board. That would be this one? > [@Let us now praise... our favorite, comfortable underpants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-us-now-praise-our-favorite-comfortable-underpants/917592): > > I’m talkin’ bottoms here… people’s bottoms and the garments that enclose them. Searching for the Ideal Underpant. I’m fed up to here (or rather, to down there) with itchy elastic that irritates your skin until the day it stretches into non-functionality, poky labels with that NASTY razor-like nylon thread, and stretchiness that turns quickly to baggy-saggy-ness. I want reasonable fabric structure that stays put and does not ride up and disappear into the folds, cracks, and crevices of one’s ana… There was also this (which largely revolved around discussing the comfort of various fabrics, IIRC): > [@Ladies, can we talk about panties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-can-we-talk-about-panties/615906): > > I need new drawers, and I’m not sure where to look. I’m the kind that looks for a kind I like and then buys 14 pair and is finished. I don’t have 10 different styles like many girlie-girls do. I like my well-fitting, modestly attractive panties. When I walk into an intimates department, I usually get overwhelmed and then leave. Right now I have some microfiber Jockey hipsters that work for me, don’t leave panty lines, and fit well. But I’ve read a lot about how 100% cotton is the way to go for… ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/14 "2021-11-21T02:09:39Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > That would be this one?- Wow. You are so right. Gee, my post is kind cute. 😇 ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/15 "2021-11-21T02:25:48Z")
Funny some of y’all are mentioning underwear. For the last fortnight or so, I’ve been wondering, “Who’s the brainchild who decided we have to wear our clothing with the uncomfortable side of the seams next to the skin?” Seriously, how did that become a thing? ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/16 "2021-11-21T02:26:22Z")
In my youthful years, I was so concerned with what others thougt of me, I tried to fif in. One of the blessings of being senior is the concern is gone. I am now tempted to wear my pants and top inside out and see what transpires! Sad that this passes for adventure to me ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/17 "2021-11-21T02:39:18Z")
To get away from the underwear discussion: Does talking to my cats count as mundane and pointless? “Excuse me, Rascal. Do I climb on your chest while you’re trying to read the newspaper?” “Do I walk back and forth on top of you while you’re trying to go to sleep?” ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/18 "2021-11-21T02:40:02Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > I automatically turned my undershirts and underpants right side out before folding and putting them away. How did they get inside-out? ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/19 "2021-11-21T02:40:10Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > When I was [driving my sports car on track](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-high-performance-driving-instructor/354791) I had driving gloves with the seams outside for that reason. _He killed the noble Mudjokivis. Of the skin he made him mittens, Made them with the fur side inside, Made them with the skin side outside. He, to get the warm side inside, Put the inside skin side outside. He, to get the cold side outside, Put the warm side fur side inside. That’s why he put the fur side inside, Why he put the skin side outside, Why he turned them inside outside._ From: [Poem: The Song of Milkanwatha](http://holyjoe.org/poetry/strong.htm) ---
**Author:** ![abcdefghij](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/43a26b/32.png) [@abcdefghij](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abcdefghij)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682/20 "2021-11-21T02:56:22Z")
> [@LurkMeister](#): > > To get away from the underwear discussion: Does talking to my cats count as mundane and pointless? That depends. Do they talk back? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mundane-pointless-things-you-do-anyway/954682.md?page=2)