# Things you do just because that’s how your parents did it **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 18, 2024, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474 "2024-04-18T20:53:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Bob\_Blaylock](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_blaylock/32/3235_2.png) [@Bob\_Blaylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Blaylock)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2024, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/61 "2024-04-25T01:24:31Z")
> [@Seanette](#): > > > [@moes\_lotion](#): > > > > I have a small notebook that I faithfully record the date, mileage, number of liters and price per liter every time I buy gasoline for the car, thanks to my father’s habit of doing the same. I even occasionally enter this into a spreadsheet and calculate the miles per gallon (actually the liters per 100 kilometers) > > My husband does this, including the spreadsheet.   It’s a habit that’s become, perhaps, a bit of an obsession.   The way my father did it, it was a simple stone-aged notebook, where he’d record the details, date, odometer reading, how many gallons, how much it cost, and then he’d calculate and write the miles-per-gallon.   So, I keep such a notebook in our car. Don’t bother calculating MPG at that point. I also keep a matching record in my Palm TX.   And then, once I get home, I also update an Excel spreadsheet on my desktop computer; and this spreadsheet is set up to calculate MPG, as well as quite a few other bits of data, and maintains a ten-point moving average of them as well.   And in case anyone was wondering, our car, a 2016 Dodge Dart with the 2.0-liter I4, which will happily run on straight gasoline, or any mixture of at least 15% gasoline and no more than 85% ethanol, gets about 80% of the MPG on E85 (nominally 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) that it gets on straight gasoline.  E85 is usually significantly cheaper per gallon than straight gasoline, and as long as it’s less than 80% of the price per gallon of gasoline (which it usually is), it works out to more miles-per-dollar to run it on E85 than on gasoline.   Currently, gasoline is consistently above $5/gallon here in Sacramento, while E85 is below $4/gallon. ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2024, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/62 "2024-04-25T01:55:17Z")
> [@Seanette](#): > > > [@74westy](#): > > > > When Dad got a glass of water, he took a glass off the shelf, turned on the tap, filled the glass half way, poured it out, filled it all the way, turned off the tap and drank. > > > > I was never sure why he did this. Most likely it was a dust bowl thing. In Tyvan, Saskatchewan in the 1930s, there was dust all over everything and it made sense to rinse your glass before you used it. > > That’s why I store glasses mouth down, to avoid such contamination. Am I the only one? also keeps bugs out of the glasses/cups too ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2024, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/63 "2024-05-05T22:59:15Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > My mother-in-law did it that way partly because she liked that the end was folded inside the middle, so you didn’t see a towel end. Yeah, makes it easier to take a towel off the shelf without it unfolding. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2024, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/64 "2024-05-05T23:18:11Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > My mother-in-law did it that way partly because she liked that the end was folded inside the middle, so you didn’t see a towel end. I can understand this, but I’m not sure my dad worried about that. > [@Yllaria](#): > > We moved a couple of time. The cupboard for the towels was a different shape each time. So the way they folded the towels (or the way they wanted us to fold them) changed to fit the cupboard. Yeah, this is what I think I should be doing, but I don’t. I still fold them in thirds and cram them in the cabinet any which way. > [@carrps](#): > > Yeah, makes it easier to take a towel off the shelf without it unfolding. Hmm, hadn’t thought about that advantage. And really, my dad was a little brow beaten by his father, who was a career military man. So I went looking to see if there were any relevant regulations in the US military. My grandfather didn’t serve in the Navy, but it does appear they do have a prescribed method of folding towels. It’s in thirds. > **[6103. Folding And Storage Procedures](https://www.usna.edu/UniformRegs/Chapter6-LaundryServices/folding-storage-procedures.php)** > > Folding And Storage Procedures page for Midshipmen Uniform Regulations at USNA.edu. Updated Wed May 17 17:02:20 EDT 2023. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2024, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/65 "2024-05-05T23:28:36Z")
> [@scabpicker](#): > > My grandfather didn’t serve in the Navy, but it does appear they do have a prescribed method of folding towels. It’s in thirds. Oh! In! Your! Face! People who fold other ways. 🤪 ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2024, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/66 "2024-05-06T00:23:18Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Oh! In! Your! Face! People who fold other ways. 🤪 Hehehe, I’m not even sure what’s going on here. I fold them in thirds and don’t really know why. The Navy is mind controlling me through my ancestors or something. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2024, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/67 "2024-05-06T00:24:58Z")
> [@Civil\_Guy](#): > > Towels in thirds (length-wise) because they fit into the towel closet better. Mom was a registered nurse and Dad had been a Master Sargent, so I darned well learned how to make the bed with ‘hospital corners.’ And I must acknowledge, this is probably the correct answer as to why someone else thought I should do it that way. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2024, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/68 "2024-05-06T00:42:42Z")
> [@scabpicker](#): > > Hehehe, I’m not even sure what’s going on here. I fold them in thirds and don’t really know why. Me too. 😊 ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/69 "2024-05-12T21:54:39Z")
It’s laundry day for me, and I just came to the realization that the only reason I use dryer sheets is because my mom always uses them. I’ve never really thought about what benefit they supposedly provide or what would happen if I didn’t use them. I’ve just always used them because that’s how my mom does it, so I just always assumed that when you put a load of laundry in the dryer you’re “supposed to” throw in a dryer sheet. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/70 "2024-05-12T22:31:45Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > I kept on with my parents’ State Farm agent. I starting as a registered driver on their auto policies over 30 years ago as a new driver, then got a policy of my own when I got a car and eventually moved out. When shopping for a home, I contacted the same folks to insure it. Me too except in my case my first insurance agent (State Farm) was my Dad. I still have my account at his old office building after 60 years. Several generations of agents have replaced the previous and gone on to retire. When I introduced myself to the latest young agent he had still heard of my Dad. He was an insurance legend. He feels like family already and we often have long chats if I stop by. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/71 "2024-05-12T22:34:06Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > > [@bibliophage](#): > > > > breaking dry spaghetti in half before cooking it… > > Smaller pot needed to cook it. Takes up less space in the dishwasher. Less messy to eat. Frowned upon by every Italian who hears of it even though they really can’t come up with a good reason. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/72 "2024-05-12T22:44:57Z")
I don’t think I do much of anything like my parents. But the one thing I can think of is how to put the pillowcase on. I tuck the pillow under my chin and wiggle the case back and forth until it is fully on the pillow. I picture my mom every time. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/73 "2024-05-12T22:50:04Z")
Is there another way? ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/74 "2024-05-12T23:08:42Z")
I think hotel maids fold the pillow in half lengthwise, slide it in, then unfold it. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/75 "2024-05-12T23:14:09Z")
I’m gonna try that this very night. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/76 "2024-05-12T23:20:58Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > I’ve just always used them because that’s how my mom does it, so I just always assumed that when you put a load of laundry in the dryer you’re “supposed to” throw in a dryer sheet. Check your dryer’s lint screen. It develops a waxy buildup from the dryer sheets that clogs up the holes, reducing the air flow and efficiency. Back when I used dryer sheets, I found that I could use only a half a sheet or even a third of a sheet and still get the same results. (Nowadays, none of my clothes are the kind that wrinkle easily so I don’t need any fabric softener.) ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2024, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/77 "2024-05-12T23:37:08Z")
I’d have to say just because my parents like them Ive also developed a fondness for Manhattans after work, eating scrapple on Sundays, and dancing to the oldies. Honestly I think I fold my towels differently every load. They’re not all the same size! I also tried to take up their habit of smoking tobacco but that never stuck. I know they were keen to try weed well actually they did at a Willie Nelson concert but I could never cross that line with them. God bless them may they Rest in Peace. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2024, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/78 "2024-05-13T02:09:53Z")
Mind. Blown. 😀 ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2024, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/79 "2024-05-13T02:21:00Z")
Glad it was mission accomplished! 😀 ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2024, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474/80 "2024-05-13T02:44:57Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Mind. Blown. Nurses are taught a different technique for infection control reasons but I won’t bore you with it since you’re blowing your own respiratory infectious microbes on your own (or your beloved’s pillow-they presumably are exposed to those microbes of yours already in vastly more pleasurable ways). ‘Mass General Hospital made it very clear to nursing students that tucking pillows under your chin to change pillowcases would not be good for your career. Which of course means that to this day I take delight in putting pillowcases in on just that forbidden way when I’m home. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-do-just-because-that-s-how-your-parents-did-it/1000474.md?page=5)