# Things you do despite knowing they're completely irrational **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 18, 2018, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174 "2018-07-18T23:17:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Randolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Randolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randolph)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/21 "2018-07-19T15:51:12Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > I read fortune cookies. They’re true, dammit! Though I do seem to get other people’s cookies by mistake pretty often. If it’s a plastic-wrapper-sealed fortune cookie, I crush the cookie within the wrapper, then read the fortune. If it’s a really good one, then I’ll open the wrapper and release it. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/22 "2018-07-19T16:08:03Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Try to explain things to the pets. Yes, I have to explain to my one dog that she is too young to drive and must get in the back. My other dog already knows this. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/23 "2018-07-19T17:42:36Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Do you find that often they contain advice instead of fortunes? Joking aside, they’re usually declarative statements about either my properties (“You’re a fun guy!”) or my immediate future. It did happen that three times in a row I got a completely blank fortune - slip of paper, no print on it. Given that fortune cookies are 100% accurate predictions about the future, that was…disconcerting. ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/24 "2018-07-19T18:37:22Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Try to explain things to the pets. > Worry if the lil’wrekker is driving carefully. ( she’s never been a reckless driver, she’s 19yo and lives at her college). > Fight with myself about being so agoraphobic. At this point it’s never gonna get better, but it could get alot worse. I have full on conversations, well ok, one sided conversations with our dogs! ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/25 "2018-07-19T18:40:46Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > It did happen that three times in a row I got a completely blank fortune - slip of paper, no print on it. Given that fortune cookies are 100% accurate predictions about the future, that was…disconcerting. I should imagine, that is Twilight Zone stuff. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/26 "2018-07-19T19:48:55Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > It did happen that three times in a row I got a completely blank fortune - slip of paper, no print on it. Given that fortune cookies are 100% accurate predictions about the future, that was…disconcerting. Hmm, blankness. You haven’t become a Bodhisattva have you? ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/27 "2018-07-19T20:01:35Z")
> [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](#): > > I don’t step on cracks in the sidewalk. Or lines (which are different from cracks. Lines are put there intentionally by the contractor - cracks develop due to tree roots or the heat/freeze cycle). Oh, the cracks from roots etc are ok, it’s the seams between concrete slabs you need to look out for. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/28 "2018-07-19T20:46:22Z")
> [@Paintcharge](#): > > Oh, the cracks from roots etc are ok, it’s the seams between concrete slabs you need to look out for. Maybe _you_ flirt with root cracks, but my mom has practically bought a yacht for her chiropractor with how often she’s gone to him. I can’t take chances. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/29 "2018-07-19T21:23:29Z")
When I am counting things, I rush past 13 as quickly as possible. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/30 "2018-07-19T21:54:22Z")
> [@Randolph](#): > > If it’s a plastic-wrapper-sealed fortune cookie, I crush the cookie within the wrapper, then read the fortune. If it’s a really good one, then I’ll open the wrapper and release it. I eat the entire cookie before reading my fortune. …otherwise my fortune won’t come true. ---
**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:** [July 19, 2018, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/31 "2018-07-19T22:01:58Z")
> [@Randolph](#): > > If it’s a plastic-wrapper-sealed fortune cookie, I crush the cookie within the wrapper, then read the fortune. If it’s a really good one, then I’ll open the wrapper and release it. If I don’t like the fortune I won’t eat the cookie. Then it can’t _get_ me. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/32 "2018-07-19T22:02:21Z")
Telling my critters every day: “Alright guys, I’m off to work. Y’all be good.” ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/33 "2018-07-19T22:37:42Z")
I post on SDBM to fight against ignorance and for civility. Patently that is megalomania and totally irrational. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2018, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/34 "2018-07-19T22:51:14Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > For our next query, we’d like you to respond as to your preference for the **red** or **blue** M&M. Red, obviously. They haven’t used the Blue character in YEARS. (But he’s almond, so he has that going for him.) Anyway…for me, I always have to eat/drink certain things with certain vessels - there’s one specific bowl that I prefer to have my ramen in (although I will use the others with the same shape if that one is dirty…I just use it preferentially). And I MUST have an opaque plastic or ceramic mug for milk. It just doesn’t taste right from a glass. ---
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2018, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/35 "2018-07-20T00:26:32Z")
I always go to the kitchen for water. It tastes better than bathroom water. ---
**Author:** ![mandala](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mandala/32/95_2.png) [@mandala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mandala)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2018, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/36 "2018-07-20T00:35:55Z")
When copying text from the computer screen, I always press Ctrl + C multiple times, in case once wasn’t enough. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2018, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/37 "2018-07-20T01:52:35Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > If I don’t like the fortune I won’t eat the cookie. Then it can’t _get_ me. :rolleyes: Wow. Mrs. Plant (v.3.0) insists that if you don’t eat a piece before you read it, it won’t come true. Nonetheless, most of them say things like, “An apple a day keeps the Doctor away.” ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2018, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/38 "2018-07-20T07:55:21Z")
I do a little semicircular hand wave, with two fingers extended, whenever I trigger an automatic door. It makes me feel like a Jedi. It’s reached the point where I often do’t even notice I’m doing it. ---
**Author:** ![blob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blob/32/489_2.png) [@blob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blob)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2018, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/39 "2018-07-20T08:07:15Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I regularly get angry at inanimate objects when they aren’t doing what I want them to do. I’ll put the remote control on a table, and then it falls off, and I know that I put it in the right place so it must be the fault of the control or the table. I’ve just been in hospital and I’ve got this electronic sucker thing attached to a wound on my leg. I got **upset** when I was told that it would “die” after a week and would have to be replaced (the bandages are replaced more frequently). It was totally nuts, they aren’t alive, they can’t “die”. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2018, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174/40 "2018-07-20T12:34:50Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I regularly get angry at inanimate objects when they aren’t doing what I want them to do. I’ll put the remote control on a table, and then it falls off, and I know that I put it in the right place so it must be the fault of the control or the table. Obviously you have to point at it and say “Stay!” after you put the remote down. (Got this from someone who dated a relative a long time ago.) Works remarkably often. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-despite-knowing-theyre-completely-irrational/818174.md?page=3)